Federal health officials are telling shoppers to check their refrigerators now. A deadly listeria outbreak has been linked to recalled cheese products sold in several Eastern states. The warning matters because some of the cheeses may have been repackaged, making them harder for consumers to identify.
What the FDA says is being recalled
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak has led to nine reported illnesses, eight hospitalizations, and one death. Investigators traced the problem to soft ricotta and requesón cheeses produced by Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Requesón is a fresh, soft cheese often used in Latin American dishes and can resemble ricotta in texture.
Officials said all varieties of the recalled soft cheeses are included, including flavored products such as jalapeño versions. The recall also covers products sold in both retail containers and larger bulk packages. That is important because bulk products may have been redistributed or repackaged under other labels before reaching consumers.
The FDA said shoppers should look for manufacturer permit number “24-128” on packaging. Officials also said some recalled cheeses may have been sold under brand names including Clover Hill Dairy, Kesso, Quesos La Ricura, Izalco, De Mi Pueblo, and Rio Lindo. A broader recall notice also includes certain hard cheese products.
Where the cheeses were sold and why listeria is serious
The recalled cheeses were distributed in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. Health officials warned that additional distribution is possible through secondary distributors, which means the products could have traveled farther than the initial list suggests. That is one reason the FDA is urging consumers to check labels carefully.
Listeria is especially dangerous because it can cause severe illness in pregnant people, older adults, newborns, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. In some cases, people may not feel sick until days or even weeks after eating contaminated food.
Another concern is that listeria can survive in cold temperatures and spread inside refrigerators. That makes soft cheeses a particular worry when contamination is involved. Officials said this is why simply removing the product may not be enough if it leaked or touched other surfaces.
What consumers should do right now
The FDA and CDC said consumers should not eat any recalled soft ricotta or requesón cheese tied to this outbreak. People who have the products at home should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. If the cheese was removed from its original packaging, officials still recommend discarding it if there is any chance it came from the recalled lots.
Consumers should also clean and sanitize refrigerator shelves, drawers, containers, and any surfaces that may have touched the cheese. Public health officials stressed that listeria can remain in refrigerated environments, so a careful cleanup matters. Anyone who believes they may have eaten the recalled products and later develops symptoms should contact a health care provider.
The investigation is still ongoing, and federal officials said more affected products could be identified as testing continues. For now, the main message is simple: check your fridge, read labels closely, and do not take chances with soft cheese that may be part of the recall.
