Nationwide Listeria Outbreak With Links to Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese
The outbreak has seen 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations across 11 states.
The FDA announced on Monday that Rizo-López Foods (RLF) voluntarily recalled some of its specific dairy products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.1
According to the federal agency’s statement, and based on information shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA, Rizo-López Foods may be a potential source of illness in an ongoing nationwide Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.1
The outbreak has resulted in 2 deaths, 26 illnesses, and 23 hospitalizations across 11 states.2
The products being recalled include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream and sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.1
To get a full listing of the products and brand names, consumers can go here.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide by RLF and through distributors. Additionally, the products were sold at retail deli counters including, but not limited to, El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets.1
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.
Individuals who purchased these affected products are recommended to dispose them. And for people who have questions, they may contact the company at 1-833-296-2233, which will be monitored 24 hours a day.
According to the CDC, the investigation is ongoing and says it can take up to 3 to 4 weeks to determine if individuals are part of the outbreak, so this could mean there might be more cases reported in the coming days and weeks.
References
1. Rizo-López Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Dairy Products Because of Possible Health Risk. FDA press statement. February 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2024.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rizo-lopez-foods-inc-voluntarily-recalls-dairy-products-because-possible-health-risk
2.Listeria Outbreak Linked to Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese. CDC. February 6, 2024. Accessed February 7, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cheese-02-24/index.html
