Dallas, Texas – Rizo-López Foods Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of over 60 dairy products due to a multistate listeria outbreak. The outbreak has resulted in 23 hospitalizations and two deaths, prompting a warning from health officials not to consume the affected items.
The recalled products include popular Super Bowl snacks such as queso fresco and Cotija cheese, as well as other dairy items like yogurt and sour cream. Brands affected by the recall include Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, and Rio Grande, among others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers not to consume these products and to dispose of them immediately, as listeria can survive in the refrigerator and spread to other foods and surfaces.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for the outbreak, can cause serious, sometimes fatal, infections in vulnerable populations. These include young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant individuals infected with listeria are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths.
The CDC has identified 26 people from 11 states who have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria between June 2014 and December 2023, with two deaths reported in California and Texas. Interviews with affected individuals and facility screenings led to the identification of queso fresco and Cotija cheese made by Rizo-López Foods as the source of the illnesses.
This isn’t the first time Rizo-López Foods Inc. has been linked to listeria contamination. In early January, the company recalled its aged Cotija cheese after listeria was found in the product by Hawaii state officials.
The scale of the outbreak is likely greater than reported, as some individuals recover without seeking medical care and may not be tested for listeria. The CDC, in partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration, continues to investigate the outbreak. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are urged to contact the company directly for further information and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of listeria infection.
The nationwide recall serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with foodborne illnesses and the importance of remaining vigilant about food safety. As health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, individuals are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from potential risks associated with contaminated food products.