Over the past decade, more than two dozen people have become sick due to a Listeria outbreak linked to Rizo-López Foods of Modesto, Calif. Two of them died from the bacterial infection.
As of this Friday, the list of recalled dairy products related to the outbreak continued to grow. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced investigations this month.
According to the FDA, 26 illnesses have been reported since June 2014 in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. Out of those reported illnesses, 23 resulted in hospitalizations. One death was reported in California and another was reported in Texas.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection. Every year an estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis and approximately 260 die from it, said the CDC.
“The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems,” the centers explained. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths and can cause short term symptoms such as fever and diarrhea in healthy individuals.
In its Friday update, the FDA said the products are sold under the following names: Bright Farms, Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Dole, Don Francisco, Don Pancho, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, Fresh Express, H-E-B, La Ordena, Marketside, President’s Choice, Ready Pac Bistro, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, Rojos, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Tio Francisco, Trader Joe’s, 365 Whole Foods Market. A full list of the products is available here.
“CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021,” said the centers of the long-ranging investigation. “Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand. CDC reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and the outbreak strain was found in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods. Epidemiology and recent laboratory data show that queso fresco and cotija made by Rizo-López Foods are making people in this outbreak sick.”
Per the FDA, Rizo-López Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled any items that may potentially be contaminated. These products were distributed nationwide.
“Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the products... and dispose of them. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-833-296-2233, which will be monitored 24 hours a day,” said the FDA notice.