Modesto-based Rizo-López Foods, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of several dairy products amid fears of listeria contamination, putting consumers across California on high alert. The recall includes a wide array of cheeses, including cotija, crema Latina, crema Mexicana, Oaxaca, panela, and queso fresco, according to a report from the County News Center.
Major retailers have responded quickly, with establishments like Northgate, Wal-Mart, and Costco receiving possibly contaminated stocks. The local Department of Environmental Health & Quality is in the process of fully ascertaining that these products have been removed from store shelves. Customers are advised not to consume recalled items and should either discard them or return them for a refund.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium in question, pose a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable groups—including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals might only experience temporary discomforts like fever and nausea, the infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women, including miscarriages and stillbirths.
Authorities urge anyone with these products in their home to rigorously clean any potentially contaminated surfaces or containers. This is critical because Listeria monocytogenes can survive at refrigerated temperatures and readily spread to other foods or areas. If symptoms of illness appear after consuming the recalled products, seeking medical advice is essential.
Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can refer to the FDA recommendations for more detailed guidance on handling the affected products.
