Whole Foods among brands identified in dairy recall

A strain of Listeria linked to dairy products as a possible threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as far back as 2017 has resulted in 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and two deaths, reports The Hill.

Rizo-Lopez Foods has recalled dairy products — yogurt, sour cream, and cheese — because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the company said on Tuesday. 

Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market are the brands involved in the recall. 

The CDC actually investigated this outbreak back in 2017 and again in 2021 but could not link it to any brands. 

Illnesses in December 2023 forced the CDC to reopen the investigation, and the Listeria strain was identified in a cheese sample from Rizo-Lopez Foods.

Twenty-two people were interviewed by the CDC, and 16 said they fell ill after eating queso fresco, cotija, or similar cheeses. 

The Food and Drug Administration is now investigating Rizo-Lopez Foods.