Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Major Retailers and Cheese Manufacturer

An expanded recall has been announced in connection with a deadly listeria outbreak, involving products sold at major retailers like Costco and Walmart, originating from dairy ingredients made by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. The affected products span a range from snack wraps to salad kits, distributed nationwide in the U.S.

Health officials have traced evidence linking the company’s dairy items to a lethal outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes ongoing since 2014. The outbreak has impacted at least 26 individuals, resulting in 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations across 11 states, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with cases spanning states such as California, Colorado, and Florida.

Lethal repercussions of consuming cheeses, crema, and yogurt produced by Rizo-López Foods have been identified, affecting individuals in states like Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon. Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections, particularly in children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria contamination usually emerge within two weeks of consuming tainted food, although onset could range from the same day to up to 100 weeks later. Common signs include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress, as outlined by the CDC and FDA.

An escalation in the recall occurred following a positive Listeria monocytogenes test from a Rizo Bros Aged Cotija sample during a sampling undertaken by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The widening of the recall was prompted by recent illnesses reported in December 2023, prompting the CDC and FDA to reinvestigate the listeria issue. In response, Rizo-López Foods initiated a voluntary recall of its cheese, yogurt, and sour cream products on February 5, 2024, which has since been expanded.

The recalled dairy items and products incorporating them are retailed under various brand names, including Bright Farms, Dole, and Trader Joe’s, among others, and are sold at prominent retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Consumers are advised against consuming, selling, or serving the recalled products and should dispose of them immediately. Those experiencing suspected symptoms of listeriosis are urged to contact their healthcare provider promptly for symptom reporting and treatment.