CDC and FDA Investigate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Soft Cheese

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate Listeria outbreak connected to recalled soft cheese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the outbreak has sickened eight people in three states, with seven hospitalizations and one death reported.

The warning centers on requesón, also described as a soft ricotta-style cheese. The FDA says Clover Hill Dairy, LLC issued a voluntary recall of its requesón and soft ricotta products after testing found Listeria monocytogenes in cheese connected to the investigation.

Consumers, retailers and restaurants are being told not to eat, sell or serve the recalled cheese. Some products may have been sold under other labels, so officials say people should check for Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit or plant number “24-128” when available. While the CDC reports illnesses in the states of Maryland, New York, and Virginia, the products are distributed nationwide according to the CDC. 

Listeria can be especially dangerous for pregnant people, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions, and illness may develop days or even weeks after eating contaminated food.

The FDA says the investigation is being handled with the CDC and state and local partners. Maryland health officials have also suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license because of the public health risk.

Anyone who has recalled cheese should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Officials also recommend cleaning refrigerators, containers and surfaces that may have touched the cheese.

(This article was written with AI using information from the CDC and FDA with some information added for local context)