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A multi-state outbreak of a potentially fatal listeria strain has forced a recall of all Queso Fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese Inc.
On Friday, the FDA issued an announcement that all Queso Fresco soft cheese products made by the New Jersey company with sell-by dates through March 28 had been recalled, after multiple people were hospitalized due to the outbreak.
The products are sold in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York under the El Abuelito Cheese brand, in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland under the Rio Grande Food Products brand, and distributed by Rio Lindo in North Carolina and Maryland. The cheeses were distributed through Feb. 16, 2021 and were available in supermarkets, wholesale and retail stores, the FDA said.
According to the CDC, as of Feb. 11, seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes had been reported from four states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Oct. 20 last year to Jan. 22 this year.
“Sick people range in age from 45 to 75 years, with a median age of 61. Six people are Hispanic, and 43% are female. All seven people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported,” the CDC said.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the FDA said.
“Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
Through laboratory testing and interviews with sick people about what they ate, the CDC traced the source of the illness back to Queso Fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese Inc. contaminated with Listeria.
Consumers who have purchased the stated Queso Fresco products are urged not to eat it, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Possible listeria contamination in consumed goods frequently triggers recalls from product manufacturers.
In December, news of a possible Listeria contamination had Trader Joe’s issuing a recall on its Lightly Salted Edamame packs. In October, Walmart producer supplier Country Fresh was forced to expand a recall of fresh cut fruit due to a potential risk of Listeria contamination.
In 2019, there was a massive recall of hard boiled eggs across multiple states and retailers due to potential Listeria contamination.
The reality is thousands of products are recalled every year for potential safety issues. Beyond food, it can also include really anything that is sold, from medicines and durable goods to pet and baby products.
Did you buy El Abuelito Cheese Queso Fresco? Are you going to throw out the product? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
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