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If you’re planning on bringing some creamy dips or queso to your Super Bowl party, you might want to take a closer look in your fridge first: A bunch of popular dairy products—which may be the source of a multistate listeria outbreak—were just recalled, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On February 6, Rizo-López Foods, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of their various cheeses (like queso and ricotta), yogurt, and sour cream due to possible listeria contamination. The affected products were distributed under popular brand names including 365 Whole Foods Market, Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, and Casa Cardenas. The dairy was sold at stores like Whole Foods, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Sam’s Club, as well as some local deli counters. (For a complete list of the recalled products and more specifics, including UPC codes, sell-by dates, and sizes, check out the release here.)
That same day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued a food safety alert that officially linked an ongoing listeria outbreak (which the organization began investigating back in 2017) to cheese samples from Rizo-López Foods—specifically its queso fresco and cotija. So far, across 11 states, two people have died, 23 others have been hospitalized, and another 26 sickened, according to the release.
Before you freak out, though, know that a listeria infection usually isn’t life-threatening. Generally, it can cause short-term, relatively mild symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But listeria can sometimes trigger a more invasive illness beyond the gut, bringing on flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, seizures or confusion. Getting sick with listeria is especially dangerous if you’re 65 or older, immunocompromised, or pregnant, according to the CDC.
With all that scary stuff in mind, make sure to throw out any of the products above ASAP. And to be extra safe, the CDC recommends giving your fridge a deep clean, since listeria is a pretty hardy bacteria that spreads easily. If you have any questions, you can call 1-866-857-8745 or email info@brightfarms.com with “recall” as the subject. And for this weekend’s Super Bowl screening, maybe prepare some guac or salsa instead? You know, just to be safe.
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