Italian health authorities have issued an urgent food safety alert regarding a specific batch of organic mozzarella cheese due to incorrect expiration labeling that could pose a microbiological risk to consumers. The Ministry of Health confirmed on April 22, 2026, that certain packages of “Mozzarella da latte del Mugello BIO” bearing the Amù – Amore Bio brand were mistakenly labeled with a future expiration date, potentially leading consumers to believe the product remains safe to eat well beyond its actual shelf life.
The affected product, identified as lot number 098, displays an incorrect expiration date of May 30, 2026, on its packaging, while the true expiration date is April 30, 2026. This discrepancy of exactly one month means that consumers who rely on the printed date might unknowingly consume the cheese nearly a month after it has genuinely expired, increasing the risk of foodborne illness from bacterial growth in the dairy product.
According to official communications from the Ministry of Health and corroborated by multiple verified sources, the recall was initiated voluntarily by the producer, Agriambiente Mugello S.c.a., demonstrating that internal quality control systems functioned as intended. The mozzarella in question is sold in 210-gram packages with a drained weight of 125 grams and has been distributed through select Coop supermarket locations in the Tuscany region of Italy, not nationwide.
The production of this batch was carried out by Caseificio Artlatte Srl on behalf of Agriambiente Mugello Sca, with manufacturing taking place at their facility located at via Giacomo Puccini 1816 in Porcari, province of Lucca (identification mark IT 09 68 UE). Health officials emphasize that while the product remains safe if consumed by the correct expiration date of April 30, 2026, it should not be eaten after that date regardless of what the label states.
Consumers who have purchased this specific lot are advised to check both the lot number (098) and the expiration date printed on their mozzarella packaging. If both match the recalled details — lot 098 with an expiration date of 30/05/2026 — the product should not be consumed. Instead, it can be returned to the point of purchase for a full refund or disposed of safely. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific batch as of the recall announcement.
This incident highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling, particularly for perishable dairy products where even minor deviations from stated expiration dates can significantly impact food safety. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone in possession of the recalled product to follow the guidance provided through official channels.
For the most current information on this and other food safety alerts in Italy, consumers are directed to consult the official website of the Italian Ministry of Health, where all active recalls and public health notices are regularly updated.
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