A food safety alert has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for multiple cheese, crema, yogurt, and other dairy products produced by Rizo-López Foods. A CDC investigation has linked a Listeria outbreak to those products, so far resulting in two deaths, 23 hospitalizations, and 26 reported illnesses across 11 states.
Rizo-López Foods has voluntarily recalled all of the products in question, which include popular brands of cotija, queso fresco, and Oaxaca cheeses. The recall comes at a time when many consumers are planning Super Bowl parties and may have purchased these products to eat during the event.
The recalled products are sold under these brands: Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Don Francisco, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, La Ordena, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Tio Francisco, and 365 Whole Foods Market.
A full list of every recalled product can be found here.
The recalled foods were distributed nationwide by RLF and through distributors. Products also were sold at retail deli counters including, but not limited to, El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets.
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Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. Then, the CDC advises cleaning the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-833-296-2233, which will be monitored 24 hours a day. The recall is being carried out with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
