A widespread listeria outbreak has prompted the recall of various dairy products, including ricotta cheese sold at Whole Foods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revealed that Rizo-L??pez Foods, the manufacturer of the affected products, is voluntarily recalling a range of cheeses, yogurts, and sour creams. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported two deaths and 23 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak. The affected states include California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida.

The CDC has also warned that the actual number of people affected by the outbreak may be higher than reported, and the outbreak may extend beyond the known affected states. The recalled products were sold under various brand names, including 365 Whole Foods Market, Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, and Casa Cardenas. In addition to Whole Foods, the contaminated products were also sold at retailers such as El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets.

The listeria outbreak has been ongoing since 2014, but it wasn't until recently that the CDC and FDA were able to identify Rizo-L??pez Foods as the source. The investigation was reopened in January 2021 after the Hawaii State Department of Health found listeria in Rizo Bros. Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese. This prompted a recall of that specific product, which has now been expanded to include a wider range of dairy products.

Among the recalled products are Whole Foods brand whole milk and skim ricotta, as well as various queso fresco, cotija, and similar cheeses. The CDC has interviewed 22 people affected by the outbreak, and 16 of them reported consuming these types of cheeses. The FDA warns that listeria symptoms can appear as early as the same day of consumption or as late as ten weeks later. Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and diarrhea, while more severe symptoms can involve headache, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Rizo-L??pez Foods, based in Modesto, California, is now recalling more than 60 products nationwide due to the listeria outbreak. The CDC has confirmed that the company's soft cheeses and other dairy products are the source of the outbreak, which has been ongoing since 2014. At least 26 people in 11 states have been affected, with one death reported in California in 2017 and another in Texas in 2020.

The CDC and FDA reopened the investigation after listeria was detected in a sample of Rizo Brothers Aged Cotija. This prompted a limited recall in January, which has now been expanded to include a wider range of products. The recalled items were distributed at over 600 Walmart stores in 12 states and 28 Sam's Club locations in six states.

Consumers are urged to discard the recalled products and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with them. Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments and easily spread to other foods and surfaces. Pregnant individuals, newborns, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to listeria infection.

Symptoms of listeria infection typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food and may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases can involve symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The CDC advises anyone with questions to contact Rizo-L??pez Foods directly.