The nationwide recall of cheese-containing products due to potential listeria contamination has expanded, encompassing salad and taco kits sold at prominent retailers like Albertsons, Costco, Walmart, and WinCo.
Initiated by Rizo-López Foods of Modesto, California, on Feb. 5, the recall included numerous dairy items such as Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese. These products, distributed under various brand names including 365 Whole Foods Market, Don Francisco, and Tio Francisco, were sold nationwide. The recall initially affected stores like Harris Teeter and Whole Foods.
Following this, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued additional notices, expanding the recall to over five dozen products. These included items like black bean dip and others sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s, and under the Amazon Kitchen brand.
Later, the FDA announced 10 more food companies voluntarily recalling products linked to the ongoing listeria outbreak investigation. This included salad and taco kits, such as those under the Dole brand, available at stores like Albertson’s, Carrs-Safeway, Costco, Eagle, Safeway, and Walmart. Additionally, Home Chef notified customers of certain meal kits, advising them to discard cheese if included.
Several companies issued recalls due to the inclusion of cheese supplied by Rizo-López Foods or the potential for cross-contamination. Among them, Albertsons Companies recalled various meal kits, while Braga Fresh recalled Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kits. Other recalled items included salad kits from Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. and Fresh Express, along with sandwiches from Fresh & Ready Foods.
The outbreak linked to Rizo-López Foods dates back to 2021 and 2017, with cases reported since 2014. The FDA and CDC resumed investigation after a sample of Rizo-López Foods-manufactured cheese tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in January 2024. To date, the outbreak has resulted in 26 illnesses, including 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations across 11 states.
Consumers who purchased recalled products are advised to discard them and seek refunds from the respective stores. Additionally, thorough cleaning and sanitization of surfaces that may have come into contact with the products are recommended to prevent cross-contamination.
As the recall continues to evolve, vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are essential to mitigate the risk posed by listeria contamination. By following proper handling and disposal procedures, consumers can safeguard their health and prevent the spread of illness.
In conclusion, the ongoing listeria recall underscores the importance of food safety and regulatory oversight in protecting public health. Through swift action and cooperation between government agencies and food manufacturers, efforts are underway to address the outbreak and mitigate its impact on consumers nationwide.