by A listeria outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people in 11 states since 2014 has been linked to queso fresco and cotija cheese made by Rizo-López Foods, a California-based food supplier, federal public health officials said this week.
Although the outbreak was linked to only two types of cheese, Rizo-López Foods announced this week that it was voluntarily recalling all of its dairy products due to possible listeria contamination.
The products were distributed nationwide and sold under the brands Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Brothers, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa María, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas and 365 Whole Foods Market. . The products, which have various expiration dates through July 1, were also available at deli counters, the company said.
Of the 26 people who fell ill as a result of the outbreak, 23 were hospitalized and two died. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwhich began its investigation in 2017. Cases were reported in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
listeria bacteria It can contaminate many foods. When ingested, they are most harmful to people who are pregnant, people who are at least 65 years old, or those who have weakened immune systems. Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States, according to the CDC.
The agency investigated the outbreak. in 2017 and 2021, identifying “fresh cheese and other similar cheeses” as a potential source, but had no evidence to link the outbreak to a specific brand. The investigation was reopened last month after additional illnesses were reported in December and officials found the outbreak strain of bacteria in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods.
According to the investigation, two of the people who fell ill during the outbreak were pregnant and one lost pregnancy. Two others who fell ill were newborns. The average age of those who became ill was 52 years. Fifty-eight percent of those who became ill were women and 71 percent were white.
The CDC said the number of cases was likely higher than 26 and that people could have gotten sick in states other than those listed.
“This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested,” the agency said. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as they are normally three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The agency encouraged people to avoid eating any of the recalled products and to clean their refrigerators and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled foods. Officials encourage people to seek medical attention if they have symptoms of listeria, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue and headaches.
Several listeria outbreaks were reported in 2023, including some related to green leafy vegetables, frozen and peaches, nectarines and plums.
