Whole Foods Listed Among Brands in Dairy Recall

A strain of Listeria, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged as a potential risk in dairy products as early as 2017, has been linked to 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and two deaths, according to reports from The Hill. In response to this threat, Rizo-Lopez Foods announced a recall of various dairy products, including yogurt, sour cream, and cheese, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall affects several brands, such as 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 CDC had previously investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021 but was unable to establish a connection to any specific brands. However, a resurgence of illnesses in December 2023 prompted the CDC to revisit the investigation, during which the Listeria strain was identified in a cheese sample from Rizo-Lopez Foods.

Following these developments, the CDC interviewed 22 affected individuals, with 16 reporting illnesses linked to the consumption of queso fresco, cotija, or similar cheese varieties. Consequently, the Food and Drug Administration is now conducting an investigation into Rizo-Lopez Foods.