Home Emergency Medicine Listeria-Linked Soft Cheese Recall Expands to More States: FDA

Listeria-Linked Soft Cheese Recall Expands to More States: FDA

Recall first announced Feb. 19, but on Tuesday, the FDA said the cheeses had been distributed to at least 26 states

WEDNESDAY, March 10, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled Queso Fresco, Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), or Requeson (ricotta) cheeses that were distributed in 26 states and have been linked to a Listeria outbreak, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

The recall was first announced Feb. 19, but on Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the cheeses had been distributed to at least 26 states. The recalled brands by cheese type include: Queso Fresco: El Abuelito, Rio Grande, and Rio Lindo; Quesillo: El Abuelito, El Viejito, El Paisano, El Sabrosito, La Cima, Quesos Finos, San Carlos, and Ideal Brands; and Requeson: El Abuelito and El Viejito.

Some of the recalled cheeses were sold in bulk and may have been repackaged by retailers. Consumers who have had the recalled cheeses in their homes need to be especially vigilant about cleaning and sanitizing any surface that may have come in contact with the products, because Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces, according to the FDA.

People at higher risk for severe Listeria infection include those aged 65 years and older, those with a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments, and pregnant women. Listeria infection can cause miscarriage.

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