As of February 6, 2024, a total of 26 individuals across 11 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria, resulting in two fatalities—one each in California and Texas.
The illnesses, ranging from June 15, 2014, to December 10, 2023, have led to hospitalizations for 23 out of 26 affected individuals. Particularly concerning are cases involving pregnant individuals, as Listeria can lead to pregnancy complications such as loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Notably, two cases involved pregnant individuals, one of whom experienced pregnancy loss. Additionally, two newborns were affected by Listeria, likely transmitted during pregnancy.
Authorities are conducting thorough interviews with affected individuals to determine their dietary habits in the month prior to falling ill. Among those interviewed, 73% reported consuming queso fresco, cotija, or similar cheeses. Notably, three individuals who became ill between 2014 and 2022 specifically mentioned consuming Don Francisco brand queso fresco or cotija, one of the brands implicated in the recall.
Public health investigators are utilizing the PulseNet system, which employs whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify genetically related bacterial strains causing foodborne illnesses. WGS analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between bacteria isolated from samples spanning from 2014 to the present, suggesting a common food source for the outbreak.
The Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch, during routine sampling in January 2024, detected the outbreak strain of Listeria in an aged cotija cheese product manufactured by Rizo-López Foods. Subsequent FDA inspections at the facility revealed the presence of the outbreak strain on a container used for cheese storage.
As a result, on January 11, 2024, Rizo-López Foods, Inc. initiated a recall of the implicated aged cotija cheese product. On February 6, 2024, the company expanded the recall to include all cheese and dairy products manufactured at their facility. They have also halted production and distribution of these products temporarily while investigations continue.
Source: Food Safety News
Reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety And Quality Consulting for any inquiries related to food quality and safety.
