Nationwide Listeria outbreak linked to dairy products

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - UnSplash

Two people have died and 23 have been hospitalized

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a Listeria outbreak affecting some dairy products, sold at retailers like Trader Joe’s Costco and Walmart.

The FDA said the contamination affects nearly 60 dairy products, including queso fresco and cotija cheese. The products are linked to Rizo-Lopez Foods, a wholesaler based in California. The company has recalled all of its dairy products.

The products are sold under a variety of brands, including:

  • Campesino

  • Casa Cardenas

  • Don Francisco

  • Don Pancho

  • Dos Ranchitos

  • El Huache

  • Food City

  • H-E-B

  • La Ordena

  • Rio Grande

  • Rizo Bros.

  • Rojos

  • San Carlos

  • Santa Maria

  • Tio Francisco

  • Trader Joe’s

  • 365 Whole Foods Market

How to identify the products

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

According to an initial report from the FDA, the outbreak has caused two deaths and put 23 people in the hospital.