Dairy products have been linked to Listeria outbreaks

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 is voluntarily recalling all its dairy products due to possible listeria contamination.

The products were distributed nationally and sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Brothers, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas and 365 Whole Foods Market. The products, which have varying expiration dates through July 1, were also available at delis, the company said.

Of the 26 people who became ill as a result of the outbreak, 23 were hospitalized and two died. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthat his research began in 2017. Cases were reported in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Listeria bacteria can contaminate many foods. When ingested, they are most harmful to people who are pregnant, people who are at least 65 years old, or people with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States

The agency investigated the outbreak in 2017 and 2021, identifying “queso fresco and other similar cheeses” as a potential source, but there was no evidence to link the outbreak to a specific brand. The investigation was reopened last month after more illnesses were reported in December and officials found the outbreak's bacterial strain in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods.

Two of the people who became ill during the outbreak were pregnant, and one lost the pregnancy, the study found. Two others who became 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 noted that the number of cases was likely higher than 26 and that people may 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 usual three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

The agency encouraged people not to eat 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 headache.

Several listeria outbreaks were reported in 2023, including outbreaks related to it leafy vegetables, ice cream and peaches, nectarines and plums.