A serious listeria outbreak linked to dairy products has hit nearly a dozen states, leading to recalls from major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe's.
The outbreak, investigated by the FDA, CDC, and local health departments, is associated with queso fresco and cotija cheese from Rizo-López Foods.
Dairy items such as cheese, cream, and yogurt are being recalled nationwide.
The CDC has been tracking this outbreak strain since 2014, with investigations in 2017 and 2021. Previous probes suggested queso fresco and similar cheeses might be the source, but no specific brand was pinpointed.
The investigation was reopened after new cases emerged in December.
A Rizo Bros Aged Cotija sample tested positive for listeria in January 2024, according to the FDA's report from a Hawaii Department of Health sampling.