Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese linked to Listeria Outbreak

United States

Updated February 21, 2024

Rizo Lopez, Inc. has provided a list (link given below) of retail establishments that received Rizo-López Foods Dairy Products that includes distribution to CA, CO, IL, NV, OR, UT, and WA. This list may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not receive the recalled product. Please refer to the product list (link given below) regardless of the place of purchase and discard the recalled product.

List of retail establishments: www.fda.gov/media/176419/download
Product list: www.fda.gov/media/176015/download
Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-queso-fresco-and-cotija-cheese-february-2024

Update February 13, 2024

The CDC published an update on the multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses produced by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc, no additional illnesses have been reported, but additional recalls have been issued for products made with or containing recalled dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc, you can find a summary of these recalls here iwaspoisoned.com/food-recall/summary-of-food-recalls-resulting-from-the-recall-of-dairy-products-by-rizo-lopez-foods-due-to-listeria

February 6, 2024

The FDA and CDC are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses produced by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. The outbreak has resulted in 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths across 11 states (AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, WA). The implicated products were distributed nationwide. The FDA's investigation is ongoing.

The outbreak, which dates back to 2014, is linked to the consumption of queso fresco and cotija cheeses. The investigation includes cases from 2014 to 2023. Previous investigations by the CDC in 2017 and 2021 identified these types of cheeses as potential sources of the outbreak, but a specific brand was not identified at the time.

The issue was discovered when a sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during a routine check by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024. Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of the cheese in response. The CDC and FDA reopened the investigation after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and genomic analysis of the cheese sample revealed it was the same strain of Listeria causing the outbreak.

Of the 22 people interviewed, 16 reported eating queso fresco, cotija, or similar cheeses. Among those who remembered specific brands, three people who fell ill between 2014 and 2022 reported consuming Don Francisco brand queso fresco or cotija. Don Francisco is one of the brands of recalled cheeses.

An ongoing FDA inspection at Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has also found a positive sample of Listeria monocytogenes. Genomic analysis confirmed it is the same strain causing the outbreak. In response, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled all sell-by dates of its dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and sour cream sold under various brand names (see the full list in the link below). The company has temporarily ceased production and distribution of these products while the investigation continues.

Recalled products include all "Sell By” dates of cheese, yogurt, and sour cream (crema) sold under the brand names:
- Tio Francisco
- Don Francisco
- Rizo Bros
- Rio Grande
- Food City
- El Huache
- La Ordena
- San Carlos
- Campesino
- Santa Maria
- Dos Ranchitos
- Casa Cardenas
- 365 Whole Foods Market

The full product description, size, and UPCs are listed below. Additional information is also available in the recall notice.

In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-queso-fresco-and-cotija-cheese-february-2024