(KRON) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 individuals were hospitalized and two have passed away after consuming queso fresco and cojita cheese products that have been recalled due to a Listeria outbreak. The affected individuals are across 11 states, with eight of the cases and one death occurring in California. The CDC has stated that more individuals may have been affected by this outbreak, as it usually takes 3-4 weeks to confirm if a sickness is associated with an outbreak, and some people may not have been tested for Listeria.
The CDC reported that the illnesses linked to this outbreak began in 2014, but the investigation was re-launched in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023. Whole genome sequencing indicated a genetic connection between the bacteria in the samples of sick individuals from 2014 to the present, implying that those affected in this outbreak contracted the illness from the same source.
Rizo-Lopez Foods, headquartered in Modesto, is the company responsible for the contaminated cheese, as identified by the CDC. Routine sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024 found the outbreak strain of Listeria in Rizo-Lopez cojita cheese. Subsequently, the FDA discovered the outbreak strain on a container where the cheeses are stored before packaging. In response, Rizo-Lopez recalled all cheese and dairy products on Feb. 6, and several products containing these cheeses, including some from Trader Joe’s, Amazon Kitchen’s Chicken Chili Verde Burrito, and Fresh Express’ Salsa! Ensalada Salad Kit, have also been recalled.
Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant individuals, those over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can manifest as early as the day of consumption or as late as 10 weeks after.
In case you have purchased a recalled product, the CDC recommends the following:
Do not consume any recalled products.
Dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
Clean the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and may spread to other foods and surfaces.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after consuming a recalled product:
Pregnant individuals usually experience fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
Non-pregnant individuals usually experience fever, muscle aches, and tiredness, and may also have a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.
