Consumers are being urged to dispose of Super Bowl staples, including taco kits, bean dips, and dairy products, following a listeria outbreak that has caused two deaths and sickened more than two dozen people. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the source of the outbreak is dairy products made by Rizo Lopez Foods, with the recall of these products expanding to include popular brands like Trader Joe’s and 365 Whole Foods Market.
In total, more than 20 brands are affected by the recall, and health officials have reported 26 people infected with the outbreak strain of listeria across eleven states. The CDC has highlighted that 23 of those infected were hospitalized, while the “true number” of sick people may be higher as some may recover without medical care or go untested.
This outbreak of listeria has been investigated in 2017 and 2021, but it was only in January 2024 that the investigation was reopened after new illnesses were reported in December 2023. The outbreak strain was found in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods, prompting the urgent recall.
Listeria can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children or individuals with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women are especially at risk, as the bacteria can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth. The CDC has advised consumers who may have purchased the recalled products to discard them and avoid consuming any of the affected cheeses or dairy products.
Rizo-López Foods has provided a 24-hour customer service hotline for consumers to contact regarding the recalled products. Additionally, consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the listed products and dispose of them.
The severity of the outbreak highlights the importance of food safety and the need for thorough monitoring and investigation to protect public health. This serves as a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant and stay informed about food recalls to prevent potential exposure to harmful pathogens.