Retailers Recall Dairy Due to Listeria Outbreak—Key Details

In response to a concerning listeria outbreak, several major retailers, including Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart, have initiated recalls on specific dairy products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that this outbreak has led to over 20 hospitalizations and tragically claimed two lives.

The outbreak has been traced back to nearly 60 dairy products, such as queso fresco and cotija cheese, sold across the nation by major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart. The FDA linked this outbreak to a California-based food supplier, Rizo-Lopez Foods, prompting the company to recall all its dairy products as a precautionary measure.

This outbreak, described as a “multi-year, multistate outbreak,” shares similarities with listeria cases dating back to 2014. However, this marks the first time a specific brand has been identified as the source. Previous FDA investigations in 2017 and 2021 failed to pinpoint a particular brand associated with the outbreak.

Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Walmart swiftly responded to the FDA’s announcement. Trader Joe’s announced the recall of four affected products and pledged full refunds. Costco recalled five products, including its southwest wraps, and also offered full refunds. Walmart, with over 600 affected stores, announced recalls on Tuesday.

The affected products were distributed under various brand names, including Rizo Bros, 365 Whole Foods Market, and Rio Grande, with sell-by dates extending through July 1, according to Rizo-Lopez Foods.

The impact of this outbreak has been severe, with 26 reported cases, 23 hospitalizations, and two fatalities—one in Texas and another in California. However, experts suggest that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some individuals may recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing for listeria.

The FDA’s investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. Rizo-Lopez Foods has temporarily halted production and distribution of the implicated products until the investigation concludes, according to FDA reports.

Listeriosis, caused by the listeria bacteria, poses a significant health risk. The FDA estimates that approximately 1,600 individuals contract listeriosis annually in the United States, resulting in around 250 deaths each year. Certain foods, including soft cheese, meat spreads, sprouts, unpasteurized milk, melons, cold-smoked fish, deli meats, cheese, and salads, carry a higher risk of listeria contamination.

Individuals at heightened risk include adults aged 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, newborns, and fetuses. The CDC reports that the hospitalization rate among those infected with listeria is a staggering 94%. Although most cases can be treated with antibiotics, listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including fetal loss and newborn death.

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.

In a separate incident, recalled kids’ applesauce pouches from three brands were linked to an Ecuador-based cinnamon processing company. The recall was initiated due to lead contamination, which resulted in 90 confirmed cases of lead poisoning. The FDA suspects that the contamination may be intentional, possibly stemming from food fraud aimed at cutting costs while selling products at a higher value. However, due to limited authority in the investigation, as the processor and its distributors did not directly ship products to the U.S., the FDA faces challenges in addressing this issue.

Consumers are advised to stay informed about product recalls and heed any warnings issued by health authorities to safeguard their health and well-being. Vigilance and prompt action are crucial in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses and protecting public health.