Brands of cheese recalled due to a decade-long outbreak of listeria food poisoning that killed two people and sickened more than two dozen. ( U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/CDC via AP)
Amid the terrifying listeria food poisoning outbreak, more food items are being recalled, especially the Super Bowl Sunday party spreads.
Products such as seven-layer bean dip, chicken enchiladas, cilantro salad dressing, and taco kits, commonly found at retailers like Costco, Trader Joe's, and Albertson's, are among those recalled by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., based in Modesto, California, according to federal health authorities.
The listeria outbreak, linked to dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, has claimed the lives of two individuals and sickened over two dozen since 2014, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health investigators, who had been probing illnesses in 2017 and 2021, confirmed the source only recently, leveraging new laboratory and inspection data when more cases emerged in December, officials disclosed.
Rizo Lopez Foods initiated a recall of over 60 soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream on Monday, distributed under various brands such as Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, and others. These products were sold nationwide to food service providers, retailers, and deli counters.
The federal government advises consumers to refer to the Food and Drug Administration's list of recalled items for the latest details on descriptions, sizes, and best-by dates. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert regarding specific Amazon kitchen burritos containing ingredients produced by Rizo Lopez Foods.
The CDC estimates that approximately 1,600 individuals suffer from listeria food poisoning annually, a condition that can lead to severe illness and, in rare instances, death. Pregnant individuals, those over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Symptoms typically manifest within two weeks of consuming contaminated foods, though they may appear sooner or later.
Consumers possessing the recalled products are advised to discard them and thoroughly sanitize their refrigerators, countertops, and other contact surfaces, as listeria can persist in refrigerated environments and easily contaminate other food items and areas.
