RICHMOND, Va. – A nationwide dairy recall has been expanded to include products sold at major retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and others. The recall is linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, with evidence showing that the outbreak is associated with dairy products made by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. The products include snack wraps, taco kits, salad kits, and other foods sold nationwide.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 26 people have fallen ill from consuming cheeses, crema, and yogurt made by Rizo-López Foods, resulting in 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations in 11 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, and others. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for the outbreak, can cause serious, sometimes fatal infection in vulnerable populations.
The company’s dairy products have been under investigation as part of the deadly listeria monocytogenes outbreak since 2014, with new illnesses reported in December 2023 prompting the CDC and FDA to reopen their investigation. As a result, Rizo-López Foods issued a voluntary recall of its cheese, yogurt, and sour cream products in February 2024, which has since been expanded to include products under various brand names and sold at numerous retailers.
Consumers are advised not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled products and should instead dispose of them. Those experiencing symptoms of listeriosis are urged to contact a healthcare professional for treatment and to report their symptoms.
This expanded recall comes after a sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for listeria monocytogenes during a sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024. The finding prompted a voluntary recall of the affected batch of cheese by Rizo-López Foods, which has led to the industry-wide recall of numerous products sold at various retailers.
The recall has impacted a wide variety of dairy products and products made with recalled dairy ingredients, sold under multiple brand names and available at major retailers across the United States. In light of the potential health risks associated with these products, it is important for consumers to remain vigilant and take appropriate action to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
Overall, the expansion of the dairy recall has raised concerns about the prevalence of listeria monocytogenes in food products and the need for stricter oversight and quality control measures within the dairy industry. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being.