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  1. Outbreaks of Foodborne Illness

Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese (February 2024)

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Rizo Lopez Foods Inc.

en español (Spanish)

Products:

Recalled dairy products and products made with recalled dairy products sold under the brand names:

  • Bright Farms, Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Dole, Don Francisco, Don Pancho, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Express, H-E-B, Jack & Olive, La Ordena, Marketside, Maverick Foods, President’s Choice, Ready Pac Bistro, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, Rico, Rojos, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Sprig & Sprout (S&S), The Perfect Bite Co.,Tio Francisco, Trader Joe’s, and 365 Whole Foods Market.

Retailer names where product was sold unbranded as taco kits, wraps, and meals:

  • Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Carrs-Safeway, Costco, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Save Mart, Shaw's, Sprouts (S&S), Star Market, Stater Bros. Markets, Tom Thumb, and Vons.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria Infection)

Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after. Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Stores Affected

  • Sold Nationwide
  • Rizo Lopez, Inc. has provided a list of Retail Establishments That Received Rizo-López Foods Dairy Products that includes distribution to CA, CO, IL, NV, OR, UT, and WA. This list may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not actually receive the recalled product. Please refer to the product list regardless of place of purchase and discard recalled product. 

Status

Ended.

Recommendations:

  • Potentially contaminated recalled product is no longer available on the market; however, consumers should check your refrigerators and freezers for any recalled products and throw them away. If you froze a product without the original packaging and can’t tell if it is part of the recalls, throw it away.
  • Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled products, including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched. Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
  • If you have symptoms of listeriosis you should contact your health care provider to report your symptoms and receive care.

Recommendations for At-Risk Groups

  • Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant people and newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
  • Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
  • Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of a Listeria infection.


Current Update

October 9, 2024

On October 8, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. (“Rizo Lopez Foods”), a California-based food manufacturer, and the company’s co-owners, Edwin Rizo and Tomas Rizo.


Case Count Map Provided by CDC

Case Count Map of the Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese - As of 2/6/2024

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 26
Hospitalizations: 23
Deaths: 2
Last Sample Collection Dates: June 15, 2014 - December 10, 2023
States with Cases: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Nationwide and Canada


Product Images

Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll

 

Pinto, Black Bean & Beef Dip with Cotija Cheese


Raley’s Elote Bowl with Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with Street Corn


QFC Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce


readymeals Ready 2 Heat Red Chile Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

 

Sprouts Market Chicken Street Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Rico 2 Chicken Enchiladas With Green Salsa; Rice & Beans


Rico 2 Chicken Enchiladas With Mole; Rice & Beans


readymeals Ready 2 Heat Red Chicken Enchiladas White Chicken Meat and Cheese Enchiladas Filling

 

The Save Mart Companies Chicken Elote


Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde White Chicken Meat, Monterey Jack Cheese and Cotija Cheese


Costco Southwest Chicken Wrap with Sauce

 

Maverick Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl

 

Costco Chicken Street Taco Kit with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fresh & Ready Foods Chicken Torta Sandwich

 

Fresh & Ready Foods Ham Torta Sandwich

 

Ham Torta Sandwich on A Telera Roll

 

Jack & Olive Ham Torta Sandwich on A Telera Roll

 

The Perfect Bite Co. Mexican Style Street Corn Bites

 

365 Whole Foods Market Part Skim Ricotta Cheese

 

365 Whole Foods Market Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

 

Cardenas Queso Cotija

 

Casa Cardenas Cotija Polvo Grated Cotija

 

Food City Cotija Cheese

 

Food City Cotija Enchilado

 

Rancho Santa Maria Crema

 

Rizo Bros Cotija Cheese 8 oz

 

Rizo Bros Grated Cotija

 

Rizo Bros Oaxaca Cheese

 

Rizo Bros Queso Fresco

 

Tio Francisco Blanco Suave Cheese

 

Tio Francisco Cotija Cheese 20 oz

 

Tio Francisco Cotija Cheese

 

Tio Francisco Crema Centroamericana

 

Tio Francisco Crema Mexicana

 

Tio Francisco Oaxaca Cheese 12 oz

 

Tio Francisco Oaxaca Cheese 14 oz

 

Tio Francisco Panela Cheese

 

Tio Francisco Queso Blanco

 

Tio Francisco Queso Fresco 14 oz

 

Tio Francisco Queso Fresco

 

Tio Francisco Queso Para Freir

 

Tio Francisco Requeson Cheese

 

Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Twin Pack

 

DonPancho_Chicken Street_Taco_Express Meal Kit

 

Don Pancho Crema Trio Pack

 

Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde

 

HEB Cilantro Cotija Natural Dressing

 

Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit

 

HEB Poblano Caesar Dressing Natural

 

Trader Joe's Cilantro Dressing 12 oz

 

Fresh Express Salsa! Ensalada Bagged Salad Kit

 

Ready Pac Queso Crunch Salad Kit

 

Marketside Chopped Bacon Ranch Crunch and Southwest Salad Kits

 

Ready Pac Fresh Mex Salad Kit

 

Bright Farms Southwest Chipotle Crunch Kit Salad and masterpack containing recalled cotija cheese

 

Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad

 

Amazon Kitchen Chicken Chile Verde burrito with rice, black beans and monterey jack cheese

 

Dole Avocado Ranch Chopped Salad Kit

 

Dole Avocado Ranch Ranch A L'Avocat Chop Chop Salad Kit

 

Dole Cajun Ranch Chopped Salad Kit

 

Dole Endless Summer Premium Kit Salad

 

Dole Southwest Salad Premium Kit

 

Dole Southwestt Salad Salade Du Sud-Ouest Supreme Kit

 

President's Choice Southwest Sud-Ouest Salad Kit De Salade

 

Albertsons Companies Chicken Asada Street Taco Meal Kits

 


Recalled Products

Please see the companies’ press releases for additional information about recalled products. The following table is a courtesy copy from the FDA.

Product Description Brand Size UPC Sell or Use By Dates Date of Recall
Cheese Enchiladas with Red 4/pkg Rico 14.5 oz 65366006001 Lot. 0234 02/13/24, Lot. 0264 02/16/24, Lot. 0304 02/20/24, Lot. 0334 02/23/24. 2024/02/12
Cheese Enchiladas with Green 4/pkg Rico 14.5 oz 65366006002 Lot. 0234 02/13/24, Lot. 0264 02/16/24, Lot. 0304 02/20/24, Lot. 0334 02/23/24. 2024/02/12
Chicken Enchilada with Rice & Beans/Green Rico 14 oz 65366006015 Lot. 0234 02/13/24, Lot. 0264 02/16/24, Lot. 0304 02/20/24, Lot. 0334 02/23/24. 2024/02/12
Chicken Enchilada with Mole, Rice & Beans Rico 14 oz 65366006016 Lot. 0234 02/13/24, Lot. 0264 02/16/24, Lot. 0304 02/20/24, Lot. 0334 02/23/24. 2024/02/12
Chicken Taco Kit Bristol Farms 9.0 oz 207490 509994 1/18/24 2024/02/13
Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll Sprig & Sprout (S&S) 8.3 oz 100001002017 02/09/24 to 02/16/24 2024/02/13
Southwest Chicken Wrap Costco   Item # 29433   2024/02/07
Chicken Street Taco Kit Costco   Item # 11545   2024/02/07
Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl Maverick Foods   Item # 1704074 1/06/2025 - 1/12/2025 2024/02/09
Chicken Street Taco Kit Sprouts Farmers Market   13454-38075 11/29/2023-3/4/2024 2024/02/07
Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kit Marketside   681131305440 On or before Feb 21, 2024 2024/02/09
Mexican Style Street Corn Bite The Perfect Bite Co.   Lot #: 223231 Best Before 02/21/2025 2024/02/10
Chicken Street Taco Kit Save Mart, Lucky, Lucky California   UPC Beginning with 278230   2024/02/09
Chicken Street Taco Kit Stater Bros. Markets 20 oz 0102864343013992 Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/09
Ham Torta Sandwich Fresh & Ready 9 oz 8290690707 02/03/2024 to 02/22/2024 2024/02/09
Chicken Torta Sandwich Fresh & Ready 9 oz 8290690706 02/03/2024 to 02/22/2024 2024/02/09
Sprig & Sprout Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll Sprig & Sprout 9 oz 8290690720 01/27/2024 to 02/15/2024 2024/02/09
Jack & Olive Ham Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll Jack & Olive 9 oz 8290690725 01/27/2024 to 02/15/2024 2024/02/09
2 Chicken Enchiladas with Green Salsa; Rice & Beans Rico 14 oz   Best before dates starting with 0234, 0264, 0304, 0334, 0374 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
2 Chicken Enchiladas with Mole; Rice & Beans Rico 14 oz   Best before dates starting with 0234, 0264, 0304, 0334, 0374 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with Street Corn Custom Made Meals     Feb 24 to 28 Feb 24 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Chicken Enchiladas Verde White Chicken Meat, Monterey Jack Cheese and Cotija Cheese With A Mildly Spicy Green Chili Sauce Trader Joe’s 17.6 oz   USE BY: 02/05/2024 to 02/14/2024 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Ready 2 Heat Red Chicken Enchiladas White Chicken Meat and Cheese Enchiladas Filling Rolled in a Tortilla Topped with Red Sauce and Cheese Blend readymeals 12.48 oz   USE BY: 2/7/24 to 2/12/24 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce QFC 26.50 oz   USE BY: 2/8/24 to 2/11/24 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Ready 2 Heat Red Chile Sauce Chicken Enchiladas readymeals 12.5   USE BY: 2/6/24 to 2/12/24 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Pinto, Black Bean & Beef Dip With Cotija Cheese Albertson’s, Safeway 25 oz   USE BY: 2/5/24 to2/12/24 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Chicken Elote The Savemart Companies 13.5 oz   USE BY: 2/5/2024 to 2/12/2024 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Elote Bowl with Chicken Raley’s 12.75 oz
 
USE BY: 2/5/2024 to 2/12/2024 2024/02/09 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Ready Meals Chicken Street Tacos Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market 24 oz
22 oz (Shaw’s only)
27131600000 All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/08
Ready Meals Chicken Street Tacos Meal Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky, Shaw’s, Star Market, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Vons 9 oz
10 oz (Shaw’s only)
27179600000 All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/08
Chicken Mini Street Taco Meal Kit Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway 22 oz 21192500000 All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/08
Chicken Asada Street Taco Meal Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons 16 oz 29939300000 All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/08
Ready Meals Asada Street Taco Meal Shaw’s, Star Market, Albertsons, Vons, Safeway, Pavilions 22 oz 29939100000 All Sell Thru dates up to and including Feb. 10, 2024 2024/02/08
Chicken Chile Verde Burrito Amazon Kitchen 10.53 oz   Best before dates starting with 0764, 1384, 1394, 2694 2024/02/08 (FSIS Public Health Alert)
Southwest Chopped Chopped Salad Kit Marketside 10.3 oz 681131305129

12/27/2023 - 1/14/2024

2024/02/08
Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kit Marketside 9.8 oz 681131305440 02/03/2024 - 2/21/2024 2024/02/08
Queso Crunch Salad Kit Ready Pac Bistro 10.5 oz 077745256108 1/18/2024 - 2/18/2024 2024/02/08
Fresh Mex Salad Kit Ready Pac Bistro 24 oz 077745256139 1/13/2024 - 2/18/2024 2024/02/08
Southwest Chipotle Crunch Salad Kit BrightFarms 5.85 oz 8-50051-82500-4   2024/02/08
Southwest Chopped Salad Kit Marketside 10.3 oz G364
G002
3/3/2024 2024/02/08
Salsa! Ensalada Salad Kit Fresh Express 12.1 oz 1/6/2024 to 1/18/2024
1/21/2024 to
2/20/2024
2/28/2024 to
4/4/2024
2024/02/08
Avocado Ranch Chopped Salad Kit Dole   71430000915 02/03/2024-02/20/2024 2024/02/08
Avocado Ranch Ranch A L'Avocat Chopped Salad Kit Dole   71430000922 2024 FE 06 - 2024 FE 20 2024/02/08
Southwest Salad Premium Kit Dole   71430017012 02/04/2024-02/18/2024 2024/02/08
Cajun Ranch Chopped Salad Kit Dole   71430002063 02/04/2024- 02/18/2024 2024/02/08
Endless Summer Premium Kit Salad Dole   71430010730 02/04/2024- 02/19/2024 2024/02/08
Southwest Salad Salade Du Sud-Ouest Dole   71430017111 2024 FE 03 - 2024 FE 18 2024/02/08
Southwest Sud-Ouest Salad Kit De Salade President’s Choice   60383023195 2024 FE 17 - 2024 FE 18
2024 FE 03 - 2024 FE 09
2024/02/08
Chicken Enchiladas Verde Trader Joe’s 17.6 oz SKU 58292   2024/02/07
Cilantro Salad Dressing Trader Joe’s 12 oz SKU 36420   2024/02/07
Elote Chopped Salad Kit Trader Joe’s 11.94 oz SKU 74768   2024/02/07
Southwest Salad Trader Joe’s 9 oz SKU 56077   2024/02/07
Black Bean 6-Layer Dip Rojo’s 2 pk/20z   Feb 06 2024
Feb 14 2024
Feb 16 2024
Feb 21 2024
Feb 23 2024
Feb 29 2024
Mar 02 2024
Mar 07 2024
Mar 09 2024
Mar 14 2024
Mar 21 2024
Mar 22 2024
2024/02/07
Cilantro Lime Crema Twin Pack Don Pancho 2 pk/32oz 71117.00489 3/21/2024-4/4/2024 2024/02/07
Everything Sauce Fiesta 3 Pack Don Pancho 3 pk/12 oz 71117.00741 3/11/2024-3/26/2024 2024/02/07
Cilantro Cotija Dressing HEB 12 oz 41220.94799 1/13/2024-3/30/2024 2024/02/07
Poblano Caesar Dressing HEB 12 oz 41220.94807 1/14/2024-3/31/2024 2024/02/07
Cilantro Dressing Trader Joe’s 12 oz 00003.64201 2/19/2024-5/14/2024 2024/02/07
Chicken Street Taco Express Meal Kit Don Pancho 22 oz 71117.12500 12/12/2023-3/17/2024 2024/02/07
Blanco Suave Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-05355-6 All dates through 03/23/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Rizo Bros 8 oz 7-27242-00043-7 All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Tio Francisco 12 oz 7-27242-12017-3 All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00517-3 All dates through 7/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Food City ~16 oz   All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Tio Francisco, San Carlos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija (Grated) Rizo Bros 7 oz 7-27242-14022-5 All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija (Grated) Tio Francisco, Casa Cardenas 9 oz 7-27242-00022-2 & 8-11371-27109-4 All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija (Grated) Tio Francisco 20 oz 7-27242-00056-7 All dates through 5/2/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Enchilado Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00535-7 All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Enchilado Food City, Casa Cardenas ~16 oz   All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Enchilado Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Rallado Tio Francisco 12 oz 7-27242-00021-5 All dates through 7/31/2024 2024/02/05
Cotija Rallado Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Centroamericana Tio Francisco 16 oz 7-27242-00440-4 All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Centroamericana Tio Francisco, Campesino Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema La Deliciosa Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/22/2024 2024/02/05
Crema La Suprema Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/22/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Latina Tio Francisco 16 oz 7-27242-35445-5 All dates through 6/1/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Latina Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Menonita Campesino Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Mexicana Tio Francisco, Food City, Santa Maria 16 oz 7-27242-00408-4, 7-27242-22410-9, 7-27242-35403-5 All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Mexicana Tio Francisco, Campesino Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Mexicana San Carlos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Mexicana Tio Francisco 32 oz 7-27242-32403-8 All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Nortena Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 06/01/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Santa Isabel Centroamericana   Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/22/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Santa Isabel Latina   Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/22/2024 2024/02/05
Crema Santa Isabel Mexicana   Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/22/2024 2024/02/05
Fresco Tio Francisco, San Carlos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Fresco (Michoacano) Tio Francisco, El Huache, La Ordena Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca Rizo Bros 8 oz 7-27242-00334-6 All dates through 5/2/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca Tio Francisco 12 oz 7-27242-12332-7 All dates through 05/02/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00532-6 All dates through 05/02/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca Food City ~16 oz   All dates through 05/02/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca Tio Francisco, San Carlos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 05/02/2024 2024/02/05
Oaxaca (shred) Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 05/02/2024 2024/02/05
Panela Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00550-0 All dates through 3/23/2024 2024/02/05
Panela Food City ~16 oz   All dates through 3/23/2024 2024/02/05
Panela Tio Francisco, San Carlos, Dos Ranchitos, La Ordena, Campesino Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 03/23/2024 2024/02/05
Panela Barra Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Crema Food City ~16 oz   All dates through 3/23/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Crema San Carlos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 03/23/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Rizo Bros 8 oz 7-27242-00159-5 All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Don Francisco 10 oz 7-27242-00178-6 All dates through 4/2/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Tio Francisco 12 oz 7-27242-12552-9 All dates through 03/23/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Tio Francisco, Rio Grande 14 oz 7-27242-00552-4, 8-12324-03090-4, 8-12324-03091-1 & 8-12324-03089-8 All dates through 03/23/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Food City ~16 oz   All dates through 3/23/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Fresco Tio Francisco, Campesino, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Para Freir Tio Francisco ~16 oz   All dates through 04/17/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Para Freir Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/17/2024 2024/02/05
Queso Seco Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00548-8 All dates through 07/31/2024 2024/02/05
Requeson Tio Francisco 14 oz 7-27242-00390-6 All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Requeson Tio Francisco 15 oz 7-27242-00392-6 All dates through 4/2/2024 2024/02/05
Requeson Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Ricotta Part Skim 365 Whole Foods Market 15 oz 9-94824-63052 All dates through 04/02/2024 2024/02/05
Ricotta Whole Milk 365 Whole Foods Market 15 oz 9-94824-96245 All dates through 4/2/2024 2024/02/05
Yogurt (Plain, Strawberry, Peach & Mango) Tio Francisco Available to consumers at retail deli counters in various sizes   All dates through 04/17/2024 2024/02/05

Previous Updates

April 10, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.

As of April 9, 2024, CDC reports that the outbreak is over. CDC reports a total of 26 cases in 11 states. There have been a total of 23 hospitalizations and two deaths were reported. The last illnesses onset date was December 10, 2023. FDA’s outbreak investigation is closed.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Producers of queso fresco type cheeses are responsible for producing safe food, including satisfying applicable food safety requirements. The FDA has developed a prevention strategy with the goal of reducing outbreaks and illnesses of listeriosis associated with soft fresh queso fresco cheeses.

February 22, 2024

FDA has been notified of additional companies who have issued public notifications or recalls for products linked to the Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. dairy recall that were sold at retail locations. Products from the following announcements have been added to the table of recalled products below. 

  • Rico Brand recalled Ready-to-eat Enchiladas distributed in northern Utah Supermarkets (Smith’s, Harmons, Macey’s The Store, Fresh Markets). They are packaged in a Deep Meal tray – Plant Fiber - Film 800 with the following lot numbers and expiration dates: Lot. 0234 02/13/24, Lot. 0264 02/16/24, Lot. 0304 02/20/24, Lot. 0334 02/23/24.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 20, 2024

Rizo Lopez, Inc. has provided a list of Retail Establishments That Received Rizo-López Foods Dairy Products that includes distribution to CA, CO, IL, NV, OR, UT, and WA. This list may not include all retail establishments that have received the recalled product or may include retail establishments that did not actually receive the recalled product. Please refer to the product list regardless of place of purchase and discard recalled product. 

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 14, 2024

As reported on February 5, 2024, FDA initiated an on-site inspection at Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. FDA’s inspection is still ongoing; however, an additional environmental sample collected during that inspection has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis of that sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak. Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc has already initiated a voluntary recall in response to this investigation.

FDA has been notified of additional companies who have issued public notifications or recalls for products linked to the Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. dairy recall that were sold at retail locations. Products from the following announcements have been added to the table of recalled products below.

  • Bristol Farms recalled Chicken Taco Kit 9oz with 1/18/24 as the Sell By date and sold in the following Bristol Farms California retail locations: Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, Rolling Hills, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, West Hollywood, Westchester, Westwood, Woodland Hills, and Yorba Linda.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 13, 2024

FDA has been notified of additional companies who have issued public notifications or recalls for products linked to the Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. dairy recall that were sold at retail locations. Products from the following announcements have been added to the table of recalled products below.

  • MG Foods recalled S&S Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll sold in vending machines and grab-and-go retail markets in FL.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 12, 2024

FDA has been notified of additional companies who have issued public notifications or recalls for products linked to the Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. dairy recall that were sold at retail locations. Products from the following announcements have been added to the table of recalled products below.

On 2/9/2024 and 2/10/2024, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) updated their public health alert to include additional products made with or containing recalled dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 9, 2024

FDA has been notified of additional recalls on 2/8/2024 for products made with or containing recalled dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

  • BrightFarms, Inc. recalled Southwest Chipotle salad kits. The product was only sold to retailers in DE, MD, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, VT, VA, and DC
  • Ready Pac Foods, Inc. recalled the following salad kits:
    • Marketside Southwest Chopped Kit and Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit sold to Walmart stores in AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, MA, MD, ME, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, RI, SD, TX, VT, and WY
    • Ready Pac Bistro Fresh Mex Chopped Kit sold to WinCo stores in AZ and CA
    • Ready Pac Bistro Queso Crunch Salad Kit sold to Costco stores in CA, NV, HI
  • Fresh Express recalled the following salad kits:
    • Marketside Southwest Chopped Kit sold at retailers in AL, FL, and GA
    • Fresh Express Salsa! Ensalada Salad Kit sold at retailers in CA, ID, UT, WA
  • Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. recalled Dole Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch, Dole Chop Kit Avocado Ranch (Chop Kit Ranch A L'Avocat), Dole Premium Kit Southwest Salad, Dole Cajun Ranch Chopped Kit, Dole Premium Kit Endless Summer, Dole Supreme Kit Southwest Salad (Supreme Kit Salade Du Sud-Ouest), President’s Choice Southwest Salad Kit (Sud-Ouest Kit de Salade), and Marketside Chopped Salad Kit Bacon Ranch Crunch. Recalled salad items were sold in the states of AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WI. Additionally, these salads were distributed in the following Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.
  • Albertsons Companies recalled five Ready Meals and store-made taco kits that were available for purchase at the following banner stores: Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons in AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, ME, MA, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, and WY.

On 2/8/2024, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for:

  • amazon kitchen, CHICKEN CHILE VERDE burrito with rice, black beans & monterey jack, because they contain recalled dairy products.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

February 8, 2024

Recalled Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. products were sold to food service and retailers nationwide. The firm has directly notified their customers who received recalled product.

FDA has been notified of additional recalls for products made with or containing recalled dairy products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

  • On 2/7/2024, Simply Fresh LLC. Recalled Rojos Black Bean 7-Layer Dip 2-20oz club packs. The product was only sold at Costco stores in AL, AK, FL, GA, ID, MI, MT, NC, OR, SC, TN, WA, UT.
  • On 2/7/2024, Trader Joe’s Company recalled Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, and Southwest Salad sold in Trader Joe’s nationwide.
  • On 2/7/2024, Fresh Creative Foods recalled certain cremas, everything sauces, cilantro cotija dressing, poblano Caesar dressing, and cilantro dressing, sold in Costco, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s stores; and taco kits sold in Costco and Albertson’s stores. Recalled products were sold in CA, CT, FL, ID, IL, MD, MT, NJ, NV, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, and WA.

More information about recalled products, including descriptions, sizes, and UPCs or “best by” dates are included in the table of recalled products below. Additional information is also available in the recall notices from the companies.

The investigation is ongoing, and FDA will continue to update this advisory as additional information become available.

February 5, 2024

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California.

This outbreak includes cases dating back to 2014 and is currently ongoing. CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand.

A sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024.In response to that finding, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. CDC and FDA reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the cotija cheese sample showed that it is same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak.

According to CDC, of the 22 people interviewed, 16 (73%) reported eating queso fresco, cotija, or other similar cheeses. Among people who remembered specific brands, three people who got sick between 2014 and 2022 reported Don Francisco brand queso fresco or cotija. Don Francisco is one of the brands of recalled cheeses.

FDA initiated an on-site inspection at Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. FDA’s inspection is still ongoing; however, an environmental sample collected during that inspection tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis of that sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak.

In response to this investigation, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled all sell by dates of its dairy products. The recalled products include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream sold under the brand names 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. The firm has temporarily ceased the production and distribution of these products while their investigation is ongoing.


Who to Contact

Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), 
visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.

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