January 1, Deadly Listeria Outbreak Triggers Nationwide Recall at Major Retailers

A nationwide recall of dairy products, linked to a lethal listeria outbreak, has been broadened to encompass items sold at major retailers such as Costco and Walmart. This recall includes a variety of products such as snack wraps, taco kits, salad kits, and other foods sold at grocery stores across the U.S. These products contain dairy ingredients produced by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., a company that health officials have connected to the ongoing deadly listeria monocytogenes outbreak, an issue that has been under investigation since 2014.

“Health officials said evidence linked the company’s dairy products to an ongoing deadly listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has been under investigation since 2014.”

At least 26 individuals have become sick after consuming cheeses, crema, and yogurt made by Rizo-López Foods, resulting in 2 deaths and 23 hospitalizations across 11 states, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The states affected include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

“Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems.”

Symptoms of listeria infection can appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, but in some cases, they may appear as early as the same day or as late as 100 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC and FDA.

The recall was expanded after a sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for listeria monocytogenes during a sampling by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The expanded recall comes after a sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for listeria monocytogenes during a sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.”

This discovery led Rizo-López Foods to voluntarily recall one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. New illnesses reported in December 2023 prompted the CDC and FDA to reopen its listeria investigation, and in response, Rizo-López Foods issued a voluntary recall of its cheese, yogurt, and sour cream products on Feb. 5, 2024, which has since been expanded.

“New illnesses reported in December 2023 prompted the CDC and FDA to reopen its listeria investigation and, in response, Rizo-López Foods issued a voluntary recall of its cheese, yogurt and sour cream products on Feb. 5, 2024 that has since been expanded.”

The recalled dairy products and products made with the recalled dairy ingredients are sold under various brand names, including Bright Farms, Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Dole, Don Francisco, Don Pancho, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Express, H-E-B, La Ordena, Marketside, Maverick Foods, President’s Choice, Ready Pac Bistro, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, Rojos, San Carlos, Santa Maria, The Perfect Bite Co., Tio Francisco, Trader Joe’s and 365 Whole Foods Market.

These products are sold at retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Save Mart, Lucky, Stater Bros. Markets, Fresh & Ready Foods, and Sprouts Farmers Market. They are also sold as unbranded taco kits and meals at Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Costco, Eagle, Lucky, Jack & Olive, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Save Mart, Shaw’s, Sprig & Sprout, Sprouts, Star Market, Stater Bros. Markets, Tom Thumb, and Vons.

“Consumers are warned not to eat, sell or serve the recalled products. Throw them away.”

Those who suspect they may have symptoms of listeriosis are advised to contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms and receive treatment.

Why It Matters (op-ed)

This nationwide recall of dairy products linked to a deadly listeria outbreak is another reminder of the dangers of uncontrolled immigration and lax regulations. Rizo-López Foods, a company connected to the outbreak, has been under investigation since 2014, raising questions about the efficiency of our health officials.

The fact that these contaminated products have reached major retailers like Costco and Walmart highlights the need for stricter oversight on food production and imports. It’s time to prioritize the safety of our citizens by demanding better food safety standards and tighter border control to prevent such outbreaks in the future.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

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