According to federal health officials, a California cheese and dairy company has been identified as the source of a decade-long listeria food poisoning outbreak that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the illness of more than two dozen others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that new laboratory and inspection evidence has linked soft cheeses and other dairy products produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods of Modesto, California, to the outbreak, which was initially identified in June 2014. Since then, at least 26 people across 11 states have fallen ill as a result of the outbreak, including one fatality in California in 2017 and another in Texas in 2020, as confirmed by CDC officials. In response, the company has issued a recall of over 60 soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream sold under various brands, including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.On Monday, the company recalled more than 60 soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream sold under the brands Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.
The CDC previously investigated cases of food poisoning linked to queso fresco and similar cheeses in 2017 and 2021, but insufficient evidence prevented the identification of a source. However, new cases reported in December prompted the CDC to reopen the investigation. The strain of listeria associated with the outbreak was identified in a sample of cheese from Rizo-Lopez Foods, and federal officials have confirmed that the company’s queso fresco and cotija have been causing illness. The recalled products were distributed nationwide at stores and retail deli counters, including El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets. Listeria infections can result in severe illness and, in rare instances, fatalities. Pregnant individuals, those over 65, or individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. Symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, and fatigue typically manifest within two weeks after consuming contaminated foods, but may appear sooner or later. The CDC advises consumers who have purchased these products to dispose of them and thoroughly clean their refrigerators, countertops, and other surfaces, as listeria can endure in the refrigerator and easily contaminate other foods and areas.
