Officials announce an end of Listeria traced to Rizo-López dairy products involving queso fresco and cotija.
Number of sick people
Yellow- 1
Green- 2
Teal- 4
Navy blue- 8
Image Credits: Unsplash
Public health officials, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have announced the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections to queso fresco and cotija cheese produced by Rizo-López Foods is over. This situation highlighted the risks associated with consuming certain dairy products and the importance of action by health authorities to protect public health.
A total of 26 people from 11 states were infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria. The affected individuals reported symptoms between June 15, 2014, and December 10, 2023. Of those affected, 23 were hospitalized and 2 deaths were reported, one in California and one in Texas. The outbreak impacted pregnant women, with 2 cases of illness during pregnancy and one pregnancy loss, as well as 2 infections in newborns. 1
In the outbreak ages ranged from less than 1 year to 88 years, and a median age of 52. Of these, 58% were female and 42% were male. Among the 21 people for whom race data were available, 71% were identified as White, 5% as Native American or Alaska Native, and 24% reported belonging to another race category. Regarding ethnicity, 85% of the affected individuals were Hispanic, while 15% were non-Hispanic.
On January 11, 2024, Rizo-López Foods initiated a recall of their aged cotija cheese after Listeria was detected in the product by Hawaii state officials. The recall was subsequently expanded on February 6, 2024, to include all cheeses and other dairy products manufactured at their facility. The products subject to recall were sold under various brand names including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, and others, and distributed nationwide, including at retail deli counters in stores such as El Super, Cardenas Market, and Northgate Gonzalez.
According to previous reporting from Contagion, "Listeria in healthy people may have short-term symptoms such as a fever, headache, stiffness, and gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea. However, in children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems, this foodborne infection can be more severe and could be fatal in some cases. The infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.1 For anyone who is suffering these symptoms after eating these products, they are recommended to contact a health care provider right away." 2
The true extent of the outbreak is likely greater than reported, as some individuals may have recovered without medical intervention and were not tested for Listeria. Additionally, recent cases may not have been linked to the outbreak due to the time required to establish connections between illnesses.
References
