Dozens of Packaged Foods Recalled in Listeria Outbreak: What You Need to Know
Listeria outbreak california : Listeria outbreak california A listeria outbreak has led to a massive recall of packaged foods, including cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream from Modesto-based Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. The recall comes after federal inspectors found a dangerous strain of listeria bacteria in some of the company’s products. This bacteria, called Listeria monocytogenes, can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness that can be serious or even deadly in vulnerable people. Here’s what you need to know about the outbreak and how to protect yourself.
What Products Are Being Recalled?
Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. has recalled all of its packaged goods, including various types of cotija cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. The recall affects many popular stores and brands, such as Dole, Trader Joe’s, Von’s, Costco, Albertsons, and Bristol Farms. This means that salads, prepared meals, and other products containing Rizo Bros cheeses are also being pulled from shelves.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the same strain of listeria in Rizo Bros Aged Cotija cheese during an investigation. This particular strain of listeria has been linked to infections dating back to June 2014. Although only 26 cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people who get listeria do not report it. Most of the infected people said they ate queso fresco, cotija, or similar cheeses.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria refers to a type of bacteria that can cause a disease known as listeriosis. These bacteria are unusual because they can survive in cold environments, including refrigerators and freezers. They thrive in moist places, soil, water, decaying plants, and animals. Listeria can contaminate food through contact with dirty surfaces or environments. Even pets that eat contaminated food can spread listeria in the home.
How Does Listeria Make You Sick?
Listeriosis is usually not a problem for healthy people, but it can be dangerous for older adults, pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of a listeria infection often start with common signs like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can begin within 24 hours after eating contaminated food and may last for one to three days. However, this mild illness is rarely diagnosed because doctors do not usually test for listeria in stool samples.
For some people, especially those at higher risk, listeriosis can lead to more severe symptoms. These can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or brain, which can be life-threatening.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Products?
The FDA advises everyone to check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled products from Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. Look for cotija cheese, queso fresco, yogurt, and sour cream. If you find any of these items, do not eat them. Instead, throw them away or return them to the store for a refund. Even if the risk seems low, it is important to take action because listeria can be very dangerous for some people.
Cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen is also essential. Since listeria can survive in cold environments, make sure to clean any surfaces, including fridge shelves and drawers, that may have come into contact with the recalled products.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Listeria?
Here are some simple tips to reduce your risk of listeria:
- Check for Recalls: Stay updated on food recalls by visiting the FDA or CDC websites. If you have any recalled products, do not eat them.
- Clean Your Kitchen: Wash your hands, cutting boards, and countertops after handling raw foods. Listeria can spread easily, so good hygiene is key.
- Cook Foods Thoroughly: Listeria can be killed by cooking foods to the right temperature. Make sure to heat foods like deli meats and leftovers to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Store Foods Safely: Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or lower. Regularly clean your fridge to prevent bacterial growth.
Final Thoughts
Listeria can be a hidden danger in some of your favorite foods, especially cheeses like cotija and queso fresco. While the number of reported infections is relatively low, it is still important to take precautions. Always stay informed about recalls and make sure to follow food safety practices at home. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from listeria and other foodborne illnesses.
Stay safe, check your kitchen, and remember: food safety is everyone’s responsibility.
