Modesto, California – Retail giants like Costco and Trader Joe’s, among others, have initiated recalls on a number of products nationwide. This action was taken due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with listeria, a bacterial infection that can be fatal to certain groups of people if consumed.
The outbreak of listeria has been traced back to cheese and other dairy products sold by Rizo López Foods, a company based in Modesto, California. According to the Food and Drug Administration, this outbreak has already claimed the lives of at least two individuals. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not specified where the contaminated products were purchased.
As a result of the risk of listeria contamination, Rizo López Foods has voluntarily recalled all cheeses and other dairy products made in its facility, totaling around 60 items. These products were sold nationwide, including at retail giants like Trader Joe’s and Costco, both of which have issued their own recalls for the affected items.
Costco has recalled items such as the Chicken Street Taco Kit, Rojo’s 6 Layer Dip, Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema, and Don Pancho Crema Trio Pack, among others. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s has recalled items like Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, and Southwest Salad.
The CDC has urged consumers who have purchased these items to refrain from consuming them and instead contact either Trader Joe’s or Costco for a full refund.
In an effort to provide comprehensive information to the public, the FDA has released a full list of the recalled products on their website. The outbreak, which dates back to June 2014, has impacted at least 26 people in 11 states, with 23 individuals requiring hospitalization. The CDC and FDA have conducted previous investigations into the outbreak in 2017 and 2021, but new illnesses reported in December 2023 led to the reopening of the investigation.
Furthermore, the CDC warns that listeria can survive refrigeration and contaminate various types of foods. Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is particularly dangerous for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms of listeria infection include vomiting, fever, headache, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, seizures. Pregnant individuals who become infected may only experience symptoms like fever and muscle aches, but the infection can lead to pregnancy complications and serious risks for the newborn.
Consumers who have recently consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, it is crucial to clean any refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
This listeria outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers hidden in everyday food products, urging consumers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being.