A nationwide recall of dairy products has been expanded to include popular retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and more due to a deadly listeria outbreak.
The recall, which was initially announced in January of 2024, has now been expanded to include various products made by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., a company linked to the ongoing listeria outbreak.
According to health officials, the implicated dairy products, including snack wraps, taco kits, and salad kits, were sold in grocery stores across the United States. The recalled products were made with dairy ingredients from Rizo-López Foods, which has been under investigation since 2014 when the listeria outbreak first emerged.
So far, the outbreak has affected at least 26 people in 11 states, with 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations reported. The affected states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. The CDC and FDA warn that listeria can cause serious illness and death in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for the outbreak, can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to up to 100 weeks after consuming contaminated food. This delay in symptoms, along with the severity of the illness, makes listeria a particularly dangerous foodborne illness.
The recall was initiated after a sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija cheese tested positive for listeria during routine sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Rizo-López Foods then voluntarily recalled one batch of their cheese on January 11, 2024.
However, with new cases reported in December of 2023, the CDC and FDA reopened their investigation and urged the company to expand the recall to include all their cheese, yogurt, and sour cream products.
The recalled dairy products and products made with them are sold under various brand names, including household names like Dole, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods Market. These products are available at popular retailers such as Save Mart, Fresh & Ready Foods, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Additionally, unbranded taco kits and meals sold under retailers’ names like Walmart, Costco, and Albertsons are also part of the expanded recall.
Consumers are urged not to consume, sell, or serve the recalled products and to get rid of them immediately. Those experiencing symptoms of listeriosis are advised to seek medical attention and report their symptoms to their healthcare provider. The FDA and CDC also recommend thoroughly washing and sanitizing any surfaces that have come into contact with the recalled products.
This recent expansion of the dairy recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential dangers of foodborne illnesses. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the source of the listeria outbreak to prevent any further illnesses and deaths.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and pantries for any recalled products and to discard them promptly. Stay informed and stay safe.
