Deadly Listeria Outbreak Traced to Soft Cheese. See Recalled Products

Federal health agencies are warning consumers about a multistate listeria outbreak that has already killed one person and sickened more people in multiple states.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an investigation notice and public health advisory on Thursday, June 4, after eight people became sick across three states. Of those eight, seven ended up in the hospital — a whopping 87.5% hospitalization rate — and one died.

Both agencies caution that the actual number of sick may be much higher.

Whole genome sequencing, a technique used to trace and identify specific strains of bacteria, traced the illnesses back to soft cheese produced by Maryland-based manufacturer Clover Hill Dairy after two people in New York became sick after eating it in May. Through testing, the agencies found that the outbreak strain of listeria was the same as one that began making people ill all the way back in March 2023.

Testing conducted at Clover Hill Dairy’s facility found listeria in an 18-pound, unopened sealed bucket of requeson cheese. Clover Hill has since issued a voluntary recall, and Maryland suspended the dairy’s operating license, pending further investigation.

The cheese was likely repackaged, relabeled, and distributed further than locations currently tracked by the FDA. Here’s what to know about the ongoing investigation and recall.

Products Recalled in Listeria Outbreak

Soft cheese produced by one company has been linked to the outbreak. The cheese has been recalled.

But the FDA said it has not yet determined if it is the only product responsible for the outbreak. More foods may be added to the list as the investigation continues.

So far, the recall includes:

• All Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta/requeson cheeses. They may come in several flavors, such as jalapeno. Container labels should list the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit (or plant) number as “24-128.”

The cheese could be relabeled under a different name, so consumers should look for manufacturer information on the package.

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Where Did People Get Sick?

Currently, the cheese has been confirmed as being sold in three states.

The cheese was sold directly by Clover Hill Dairy in Maryland and through farmers’ markets and third-party distributors in New York and Virginia. The FDA believes it may have been sold in locations across other states not yet identified.

Eight people were ill across the three states as of June 4, according to the CDC. Of those, seven were hospitalized, and one died.

• Maryland (3 cases)
• New York (2 cases)
• Virginia (3 cases)

What to Do if You Have Recalled Cheese

Do not eat any recalled cheese, the CDC recommends, adding that people should throw it away or return the cheese to where they purchased it.

People at higher risk, those who may have had contaminated cheese in the home, and businesses that may have had the cheese are advised to take precautions, including:

• Cleaning refrigerators, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cheese. Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water before sanitizing them with a solution mix of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach and one gallon of water.
• Washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and/or possibly contaminated surfaces.
• Call a healthcare provider right away if you feel ill after eating potentially contaminated food.

What Are the Symptoms of Listeria Poisoning?

Listeria poisoning is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the CDC. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to adults over 65, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.

Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated food, but may begin as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. According to the CDC, symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Confusion.
• Loss of balance.
• Convulsions.
• Diarrhea.
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants.
• Death.

People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical attention.

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.