The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action to expand a cheese recall amid a nationwide outbreak of listeria. The recall is focused on products containing cheese from Rizo-López Foods, a California producer suspected of being the source of the outbreak. The listeria outbreak has already resulted in two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations.
The FDA has added three new products to the growing list of recalls, including salad kits, taco meals, and bottles of dressing. In total, at least 16 products containing the potentially contaminated queso fresco and cotija cheeses have been recalled. Rizo-López Foods issued a voluntary recall of all its dairy products on February 5 after the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the company as a potential source of illness in the ongoing outbreak.
According to the CDC, there have been 26 reported cases of illness related to the listeria outbreak, with 23 hospitalizations and two deaths across 11 states. California has seen the largest proportion of cases. Listeria infections can cause a range of symptoms, with the most severe cases affecting individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns. Severe symptoms can include miscarriages, stillbirths, seizures, and even death. Less severe symptoms may include fever, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.
The latest products to be included in the recall are 768 chicken street taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods and available through all Stater Bros. Markets in California. These kits have sell-by dates up to and including February 10. Additionally, chicken street taco kits produced by Save Mart Companies in Save Mart and Lucky stores, as well as Lucky California delis in California and Nevada, have been recalled. These products are labeled with a universal product code beginning with the digits 278230. The Perfect Bite Co. of Glendale, California, has also recalled Mexican style street corn bites distributed in Costco warehouses in California and Hawaii, with the lot number 2232321 and a best-before date of February 21, 2025.
It is important to note that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these recently recalled products. However, the FDA and other authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety.
Newsweek reached out to Fresh Creative Foods, Save Mart, and the Perfect Bite Co. for comment, but they have not responded as of yet. Rizo-López Foods, on the other hand, stated that they immediately halted production and voluntarily recalled all their products manufactured in their facility as soon as they became aware of the issue. They are actively investigating the root cause of the problem and taking corrective actions to prevent it from happening again. The company emphasizes that the health and well-being of their customers are their top priority.
Listeria outbreaks are a serious concern, as they can have severe consequences for vulnerable populations. The FDA’s expansion of the cheese recall demonstrates their commitment to protecting public health. It is crucial for consumers to check their refrigerators and pantries for any recalled products and dispose of them properly. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can help prevent the spread of listeria and ensure their own safety.