TRENTON, NJ – Rizo-López Foods, Inc. (“RLF”) has initiated a voluntary recall of several dairy products following concerns of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium poses a serious health risk, capable of causing fatal infections in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Even healthy persons could experience short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women face a risk of miscarriages and stillbirths if infected.
According to the CDC, the products were also distributed by Whole Foods branded Whole Foods 365. Those products were sold nationwide.
The recall encompasses products distributed across the United States by RLF and its distributors. The affected items, including cheese, yogurt, and sour cream, are available at retail deli counters in various supermarkets such as El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets, among others.
Brands implicated in the recall include 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 recall follows reports from the CDC and FDA identifying RLF products as a possible source of an ongoing nationwide outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, which has already resulted in two deaths and numerous illnesses.