A Maryland-based dairy producer recalled all of its tender ricotta/requeson cheese within the wake of a lethal Listeria outbreak that has sickened individuals throughout three states.
Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville made the announcement following notification of contamination from the Maryland Division of Well being.
It comes because the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a “multi-year outbreak” of Listeria with potential hyperlinks to requeson.
Between March 6, 2023, and Could 9, 2026, 9 individuals have been contaminated with the pressure of Listeria linked to Clover Hill Dairy’s cheese. Eight individuals required hospitalization, and there was one dying linked to the outbreak.
A map revealed by the CDC exhibits people got sick in New York, Maryland, and Virginia, however the product was offered in different states as effectively.
Right here’s what it’s essential know concerning the newest improvement within the Listeria outbreak.
What merchandise are affected?
In keeping with a recall discover posted this week by the FDA, Clover Hill Dairy has recalled tender ricotta/requeson cheese in numerous sizes.
In particular person clamshell containers:
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
- 14 oz
Recalled cheese with a “Clover Hill Dairy Cheese” label on these small containers ought to have a plant variety of 24-128 on them.
Clover Hill Dairy has additionally recalled cheese offered in bulk containers:
- 5 gallon bucket
- Two gallon buckets
This cheese may need been repacked with distributor model names equivalent to:
- Kesso
- Quesos La Ricura
- Izalco
- De Mi Pueblo
- Rio Lindo
One other Clover Hill Dairy distributor, New York-based Nelson & Isa Lacteos, recalled one-pound packages of requeson cheese offered in clamshell containers.
The cheese may also be offered in flavors equivalent to jalapeño.
Photos of the affected merchandise are available here.
The place and when was the product offered?
The recalled cheese was initially distributed from Could 4, 2026, to Could 30, 2026. It went to retail shops, prospects, and bulk distributors within the following areas:
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
The Nelson & Isa Lacteos merchandise had been offered in New York between Could 15, 2026 and Could 28, 2026.
What ought to I do if I’ve this product?
Don’t eat any of the cheese included within the recall. Both throw it away or convey it to your house of buy for a refund.
The FDA additional states, “Shoppers, eating places, and retailers who bought or obtained recalled cheese together with wholesale merchandise, ought to rigorously clear and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched.”
What Listeria signs ought to I look out for?
A Listeria an infection could cause signs equivalent to:
- Belly ache
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Excessive fever
- Nausea
- Stiffness
Pregnant people would possibly expertise fatigue, fever, or muscle aches. They’re additionally prone to untimely supply, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
Together with pregnant individuals, Listeria is extra more likely to severely have an effect on older adults and folks with weakened immune programs. The FDA recommends avoiding “any queso fresco-type cheese, together with tender ricotta/requeson” when you’re in certainly one of these classes.
