Sargento Cheese, a Wisconsin-based company, finds itself at the center of a public health investigation as federal officials work to unravel a decade-old listeria outbreak linked to products from a California-based manufacturer. The company recently issued a voluntary recall of products supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. in response to concerns about potential contamination.
The recall, affecting 11 varieties of shredded cheese, was limited to 15 states where the affected products had been distributed. Sargento emphasized that its products sold in grocery stores were unaffected, but decided to recall items produced on the same factory lines as those from Rizo-Lopez as a precautionary measure.
Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc., a small manufacturer of Mexican dairy products, came under scrutiny after reports of new illnesses emerged, prompting the FDA and CDC to connect the company to a listeria outbreak dating back to 2014. The investigation revealed that soft cheeses like queso fresco were likely sources of contamination, yet the specific brand or manufacturer remained unidentified until now.
Health officials warn that listeria, a potentially deadly bacterium, poses a serious threat to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly. Symptom onset can be delayed, complicating detection and making it crucial for consumers to stay informed about affected products and to dispose of them promptly.
The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of food safety and highlights the challenges in tracing and containing outbreaks that span multiple states and years. As authorities work to identify the source of the contamination and prevent further illnesses, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance from public health agencies to protect themselves and their families.
The recall serves as a reminder of the complex supply chain underlying the food industry and the shared responsibility among manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to ensure the safety of the products they handle and consume. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on mitigating the risks associated with listeria and preventing future outbreaks through enhanced monitoring and control measures.