RECALL: Queso Fresco, Cotija Cheese, other items recalled in NY and NJ, CDC says
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Queso Fresco, Cotija Cheese, and other products that use these ingredients are being recalled nationwide due to a deadly listeria contamination linked to the products, the CDC announced on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the FDA initiated an on-site inspection at Rizo Lopez Foods in Modesto, California. A sample obtained from the plant came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the CDC reported.
At least 113 additional products linked to the Rizo-Lopez Foods have also been recalled. Some of these items have been sold throughout the tri-state area.
As of Tuesday, 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and two deaths have been reported. An investigation into contaminated food remains active, according to the CDC.
Recalled Types of cheeses include:
- Blanco suave
- Cotija
- Oaxaca
- Panela
- Queso crema
- Queso fresco
- Queso para freir
- Queso seco
- Requeson
- Ricotta
These cheeses were sold nationwide under many brand names.
Foods containing recalled cheese, crema, or yogurt include:
- Tacos and taco kits
- Salads and salad kits
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Sandwiches
- Dressings, sauces, dips and more
Timeline of recalled items sold in NY, NJ, CT
- Feb. 8, 2024
Recalled Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. products were sold to food services and retailers nationwide. The firm notified customers who received the recalled product.
Fresh Creative Foods recalled certain Cremas, everything sauces, cilantro cotija dressing, poblano Caesar dressing, and cilantro dressing.
Trader Joe’s Company recalled Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, and Southwest Salad sold in Trader Joe’s nationwide.
- Feb. 9, 2024
The FDA was notified of additional recalls for products made with or containing recalled dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.
BrightFarms, Inc. recalled Southwest Chipotle salad kits.
Ready Pac Foods, Inc. recalled the following salad kits: Marketside Southwest Chopped Kit and Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit sold at Walmart stores.
- Feb. 12, 2024
The FDA was notified that additional companies have issued public notifications or recalls for products linked to Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc.
Costco Southwest Wrap (Item # 29433)
Taylor Fresh Foods recalled Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad kits sold at Walmart stores.
For a full list of possibly contaminated items click here.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.