Secondary Listeria monocytogenes recalls for Rizo Lopez Cheeses have begun. Some of those Rizo-Lopez products have been linked to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that has sickened at least 26 people in 11 states. Twenty-three people have been hospitalized, and two people, who lived in California and Texas, have sadly died. We are collecting the recalls in one place for a reference. More recalls are likely to be added as the weeks go on.
If you purchased any of these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a secure garbage can, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund. You should clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill pathogens after you discard these items. If you froze any of these foods for later use, discard them too, and clean your freezer. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, and freezing does not kill it.
If you ate any of these recalled products, monitor your health for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. That’s how long it can take for people to get sick after infection. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
The Recalls
The original recall for Rizo Lopez Cotija cheese for possible Listeria contamination was announced on January 11, 2024. Then, all Rizo-Lopez dairy products were recalled on February 7, 2024 after the outbreak was announced.
On February 7, 2024, Trader Joe’s products made with the recalled cotija cheese were recalled. They are Chicken Enchiladas with SKU number 58292, Cilantro Salad Dressing with SKU number 36420, Elote Chopped Salad Kit with SKU number 74768, and Southwest Salad with SKU number 56077. They were sold at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. No illnesses reported.
On February 7, 2024, Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema, Everything Sauce Fiesta, and Chicken Street Taco Express Meal Kit were recalled. Also, HEB Cilantro Cotija Dressing, HEB Poblano Caesar Dressing, and Trader Joe’s Cilantro Dressing were recalled. No illnesses reported.
On February 7, 2024, Rojo’s Black Bean 6 Layer Dip 2 Club Pack was recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported.
On February 8, 2024, BrightFarms Southwest Chipotle Crunch Salad Kit was recalled. No illnesses have been reported to date.
On February 8, 2024, Ready Pac Foods recalled four salad kits. They are Marketside Southwest Chopped Kit with UPC number 681131305129, Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit with UPC number 681131305440, Ready Pac Bistro Fresh Mex Chopped Kit with UPC number 077745256108, and Ready Pac Bistro Queso Crunch Salad Kit with UPC number 077745256139. No illnesses linked to those products have been reported.
On February 8, 2024, a public health alert for Amazon Kitchen Chicken Chile Verde Burrito was issued. No illnesses were reported in connection with the consumption of this product.
On February 9, 2024, Dole Fresh Vegetables recalled eight salad kits for possible Listeria contamination. Six are Dole brand, one is President’s Choice, and the eighth is Marketside, sold at Walmart stores. No illnesses have been reported with these recalled items.
On February 9 2024, Marketside and Fresh Express Salad Kits were recalled for possible Listeria. No illnesses have been reported.
On February 9, 2024, Fresh & Ready, Sprig & Sprout, and Jack & Olive Sandwiches were recalled. No illnesses were reported linked to these specific products.
On February 9, 2024, Taylor Fresh Foods Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Salad Kit was recalled. No illnesses have been reported in relation to the consumption of this product.
On February 9, 2024, Stater Bros. Markets recalled Stater Bros. Chicken Street Tacos Kit. No illnesses reported.
On February 9, 2024, SK Foods Group expanded the public health alert to include more products, including Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde. No illnesses have been reported.
On February 10, 2024, The Perfect Bite recalled Mexican Style Street Corn Bites made with the recalled cotija cheese. No illnesses reported.
On February 10, 2024, Save Mart, Lucky, and Lucky California Stores recalled Chicken Street Taco Kits for possible Listeria. No illnesses reported.
On February 10, 2024, Sprouts stores recalled Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit. No illnesses have been reported to date.
On February 13, 2024, S&S Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich sold in vending machines and grab-and-go- markets was recalled. No illnesses were reported.
On February 14, 2023, Bristol Farms Chicken Street Taco Kits were recalled. No illnesses have been reported linked to this specific product.
On February 21, 2024, Rico Enchiladas were recalled. No illnesses were reported .
