The cheese stands alone in this scenario – and, unfortunately, it's because of a nasty bout of listeria infection. Shoppers at Trader Joe's and Costco need to check their fridges and toss out several premade foods that have been linked to a multi-state listeria outbreak. According to Everyday Health, items such as Trader Joe's Chicken Enchiladas Verde and Costco's Southwest Chicken Wrap With Sauce are part of the recall after they may have included cotija cheese contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Unfortunately, the bug doesn't stop there. Officials state as of February 6, the outbreak has sickened 26 individuals across 11 states, and tragically, two deaths have been reported, according to NBC Chicago. The situation is serious enough to command the attention of public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which traced the outbreak back to the Rizo-López Foods dairy manufacturing facility in Modesto, California.
This isn't Rizo-López's first bout in the ring with Listeria. The CDC had previously investigated an outbreak in 2017 and 2021 and they had to jump back into the fray in January 2024 after "new illnesses" emerged. The root of these new cases was linked to an outbreak strain detected in a sample of the company's cheese, ensuring a spot in the unwanted limelight for the California-based food producer.
Individuals who bought the affected products are strongly encouraged to dispose of them immediately. Those products span a wide range including enchiladas, dips, salad kits, and various creams – and let's not forget the dairy-heavy hitters like queso fresco and cotija. The recalled products were sold under an array of brand names, like Tio Francisco and 365 Whole Foods Market, as noted in the CDC's alert. Listeria is no dinner guest to take lightly; it can lead to severe illness or even death, particularly in those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or over the age of 65.
For those unsure whether they're harboring the bacteria's dairy vehicle, a comprehensive list of the recalled cheeses and retailers has been released by authorities. Consumers can find it on the CDC's website, complete with hauntingly mundane SKUs and item numbers that could spell trouble. And, as if confirmation of the bacteria's resilience is needed, the CDC cautions that Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and spread to other foods and surfaces – a grim reminder of the tenacity of pathogens and the intricate dance between food safety and consumer trust.
