Baltimore, Maryland — A major cheese recall has expanded significantly after health officials linked contaminated products to a deadly Listeria outbreak that has already resulted in one death and multiple hospitalizations.
Clover Hill Dairy initially recalled only certain soft cheese products after testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness.
However, the company has since broadened the recall to include its entire cheese line as investigators continue assessing the scope of the contamination.
The expanded recall affects numerous cheese varieties sold across multiple states and the nation’s capital.
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Serious Illnesses
According to recall information, the contaminated products have been associated with nine reported illnesses, eight hospitalizations, and one death.
Listeria infections can be especially dangerous for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal illness. In severe cases, infections can spread beyond the digestive system and become life-threatening.
Because of the potential health risks, officials are urging consumers to carefully check their refrigerators and freezers for affected products.
Recall Now Includes Entire Cheese Line
The recall originally focused on requesón and soft ricotta cheeses but has now expanded to include a wide range of products manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy.
Among the recalled items are:
- Soft Cuajada products
- Ricotta cheeses
- Fresh cheddar curds
- White cheddar and yellow cheddar varieties
- Monterey Jack cheeses
- Marble Jack cheeses
- Pepper Jack products
- Jalapeño cheddar varieties
- Smoked cheddar cheeses
- Old Bay cheddar cheeses
- Horseradish-flavored cheeses
- Assorted cheese snack packs and cheese sticks
The products were sold in a variety of packaging formats, including buckets, tubs, clamshell containers, vacuum-sealed bags, and retail snack packs.
Consumers are advised to look for products bearing the manufacturer permit number 24-128.
Multiple Brand Names May Be Affected
Health officials noted that identifying recalled products may be more challenging because some items were repackaged and sold under different brand names.
In addition to Clover Hill Dairy labeling, affected products may have been distributed under:
- Kesso
- Quesos La Ricura
- Izalco
- De Mi Pueblo
- Rio Lindo
Because products were distributed through third-party vendors, consumers may have purchased recalled cheese without realizing it originated from Clover Hill Dairy.
Officials recommend carefully reviewing labels and packaging information.
Products Sold Across Several States
The recalled cheeses were sold directly through Clover Hill Dairy’s retail market, farmers markets, and third-party distributors.
Affected products were distributed in:
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Consumers who purchased cheese products in these areas are encouraged to verify whether they may be impacted by the recall.
6-Year-Old Girl Died After Interstate Crash; Her Mother Now Faces Manslaughter Charge
What Consumers Should Do
Officials are strongly advising consumers not to consume any recalled products. Businesses are also being instructed not to sell, serve, or distribute the affected cheeses.
Instead, customers should dispose of the products safely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Food safety experts also recommend thoroughly cleaning any surfaces, containers, or refrigerator shelves that may have come into contact with recalled products, as Listeria bacteria can survive in refrigerated environments.
As health officials continue monitoring the outbreak, consumers are being urged to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with Listeria infection after consuming recalled products.
Have you ever been affected by a food recall?
What steps do you take to stay informed about food safety alerts and product recalls? Share your thoughts in the comments below.