ATLANTA, GA – A nationwide recall has been issued for dozens of dairy products, including popular Super Bowl snacks like queso fresco and Cotija cheese. Rizo-López Foods Inc. has recalled over 60 products after an investigation linked them to a multistate listeria outbreak, resulting in 23 hospitalizations and two deaths.
The recalled products were distributed across the country under various brand names, including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, and Food City. Consumers are urged not to eat any of these products and to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled items, disposing of them immediately.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for the outbreak, can cause serious, sometimes fatal, infections – particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant individuals are also at risk, as listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. The symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, nausea, stomachache, and diarrhea.
If any of these symptoms are experienced after consuming the recalled dairy products, consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, Rizo-López Foods Inc. can be reached directly with any questions at 1-833-296-2233.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 26 cases of listeria infection across 11 states between June 2014 and December 2023, with two deaths in California and Texas. Despite previous investigations in 2017 and 2021, the CDC only recently identified queso fresco and Cotija cheese made by Rizo-López Foods as the source of the illnesses.
This recent recall is not the first for Rizo-López Foods Inc. related to listeria, according to the CDC. It is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and dispose of any recalled products to prevent further illness and potential fatalities.