Companies, including Trader Joe’s and Costco, recall products because they were made with cheese and other products linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak.

Rizo Lopez Foods of Modesto, CA, produced the cheese and other products causing the problem. The company’s cheese has been determined by DNA typing to be the cause of a decade-long Listeria outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people and killed two, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rizo Lopez has recalled more than 60 of its products.

New recalls include foods sold at Trader Joe’s, Costco, H-E-B, and Albertson’s after Fresh Creative Foods recalled various dressings, sauces, and a meal kit. 

The Fresh Creative Foods products impacted by the recall include certain creams, everything sauces, cilantro cotija dressing, poblano Caeser dressing, cilantro dressing, and a street taco meal kit.

In addition to these products, Costco reported the recall has impacted other items. These include their Southwest Wraps, Chicken Street Taco Kits, and Rojo’s 6-Layer Dip.

Trader Joe’s also issued an additional recall for other products that contained cotija cheese supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods and, therefore, impacted by the outbreak.

The company reported the products have sold in their stores nationwide.

about Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.