A Listeria outbreak spanning across seven states has been traced back to contaminated dairy products, including queso fresco and Cotija cheese, prompting a sweeping recall from Rizo-López Foods Inc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 26 individuals have been infected, with 23 hospitalizations and two confirmed deaths. This listeriosis spread has hit shoppers at popular supermarkets like Food City, Whole Foods Market, and several others.
The CDC's investigation, which spanned several years, has now pinpointed the cause to Rizo-López Foods, linking the bacterial infections specifically to their queso fresco and Cotija cheeses. As reported by AZFamily, the affected products were sold under several brand names, including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, and 365 Whole Foods Market. The illness dates range from June 2014 to December 2023, with the outbreak having previously been investigated in both 2017 and again in 2021.
The contaminated goods, which have now been recalled, were distributed nationwide in various stores. Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled items are being urged to dispose of the products and to perform rigorous cleaning of any potentially contaminated areas. Listeria is known to survive and spread within the refrigerated environment of a home. “Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the products and dispose of them immediately,” stated a food safety alert from the CDC quoted by CNN.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium causing this illness, can induce severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable demographics such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. Pregnant individuals also face the risk of miscarriages and stillbirths when infected. Public health officials have issued warnings, advising of potential symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Although the CDC acknowledges that the true scale of the outbreak may be underreported, they confirm that two fatalities – one in California and one in Texas – have been associated with this outbreak. In light of recent findings, they continue their investigations in close association with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
For consumers worried that they may have ingested any of the recalled products, the CDC recommends immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. Rizo-López Foods Inc. can be contacted for further inquiries at 1-833-296-2233, providing a channel for additional information and support for concerned customers.
