Source of Outbreak
A California cheese and dairy company, Rizo-Lopez Foods of Modesto, has been identified as the source of a decade-long outbreak of listeria food poisoning, according to federal health officials. The outbreak, which began in June 2014, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sickened more than two dozen people across 11 states.
New Evidence
New laboratory and inspection evidence has linked soft cheeses and other dairy products produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods to the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted investigations and confirmed the connection. The CDC has reported that at least 26 people have fallen ill since the outbreak began, with one death occurring in California in 2017 and another in Texas in 2020.
Recall and Distribution
As a result of the findings, Rizo-Lopez Foods issued a recall on Monday for over 60 soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream products. These products were sold under various brand names, including Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide at stores and retail deli counters, including El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets.
The Danger of Listeria
Listeria infections can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, death. Pregnant women, individuals over 65 years old, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms, such as muscle aches, fever, and tiredness, typically appear within two weeks after consuming contaminated foods.
Take Precautions
The CDC advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discard them immediately. Additionally, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the refrigerator, countertops, and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated items. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and easily contaminate other foods and surfaces.
The investigation into this listeria outbreak was reopened after new illnesses were reported in December. The strain of listeria responsible for the outbreak was found in a cheese sample from Rizo-Lopez Foods, confirming the connection.
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