The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to requeson, a soft cheese similar to ricotta, manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy LLC of Mechanicsville, MD.
So far, the investigation has identified nine patients. Eight of them have been hospitalized and one has died.
As a result of the investigation, Clover Hill has expanded its recall to include all cheese products manufactured by the firm. The recall now includes the following:
Soft and Semi-Soft “Spanish Style Cheese Varieties”: Cuajada, Soft Cuajada, Soft Cuajada in Brine, Soft Cuajada Crumbs, Ricotta/Requeson, and Soft Ricotta w/ Jalapenos (Requeson Con Chile)Mild Cheese Varieties: Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Colby, Monterey Jack, Marble Jack, Fresh Cheddar Curd, Snack Pack – Assorted (White Colby, Marble Jack, and Yummy Cheddar), and 3-in-A-Pack – Assorted (White Colby, Marble Jack, and Yummy Cheddar)Hard Cheese Varieties: Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Colby, and Snack Pack Sharp StixSmoked Cheddar Cheese Varieties: Cheddar and White CheddarFlavored Cheeses: Horseradish and Old Bay CheddarPepper Cheese Varieties: Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sizzlin’ Colby (with Habanero Peppers), Snack Pack- Assorted Pepper Stix (Jalapeño Cheddar and Pepper Jack), and 3-in-A-Pack – Assorted (Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Sizzlin Colby)Smoked Pepper Cheese Varieties: Jalapeño Cheddar
A distributor of Clover Hill Dairy requeson cheese has also initiated a recall. On June 5, Nelson & Isa Lacteos LLC of Bay Shore, NY, initiated a recall of 1-pound packages of requeson cheese sold in clear plastic clam-shell containers to retail locations in New York from May 15 to May 28. The recalled cheese was likely repacked at the retail store locations, and labeling or coding of recalled cheese may vary based on location of purchase. A list of New York retail stores and locations that FDA has reason to believe received requeson cheese that was included in the recall by Nelson & Isa Lacteos LLC can be found in the recall announcement.
Clover Hill cheese was distributed from May 4 through May 30 in the following states: North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington D.C. through bulk distributors, retail stores and directly to consumers.
Nelson & Isa Lacteos requeson products were sold at retail locations in New York from May 15 to May 28.
On June 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced an expanded consumer advisory for all cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
As part of this investigation, FDA and state partners collected and analyzed samples. To date, six product samples of requeson cheese have tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and matched the outbreak strain. Additionally, one environmental sample, collected by Maryland investigators, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and matched the outbreak strain.
The recalled Cliver Hill products are as follows:
Product Name
Quantity / Sizes
Soft Cuajada in Brine5-gallon bucket (30-lbs), 2-gallon bucket (14-lbs)Soft Cuajada (vacuum sealed)5-lb bags, 2.5-lb clam shell, 0.90-lb (14-oz) clam shellCuajada (vacuum sealed)30-lb boxesRicotta5-gallon bucket (40-lbs), 2-gallon bucket (18-lbs), 2.5-lb tubs, 1-lb clam shellSoft Cuajada Crumbs Mild Cheese Varieties – Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Colby, Monterey Jack, Marble Jack1/2-lb, 1-lb, 2.5-lbs, 5-lbs, 40-lbsMild Cheese Varieties – Snack Pack Assorted Regular Mild Stix White Colby, Marble Jack, Yummy Cheddar Approx 0.40-lbs (6.4-oz)Mild Cheese Varieties – 3-in-A-Pack Assorted White Colby, Marble Jack, Yummy CheddarApprox. 0.20-lbs (3.2-oz)Mild Cheese Varieties – Fresh Cheddar Curd0.75-lb box, 1.50-lb boxSharp Cheese Varieties – Cheddar, Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack1/2-lb, 1-lb, 2.5-lbs, 5-lbsSharp Cheese Snack Pack Sharp Stix White or YellowRegular size Approx 0.40-lbs (6.4-oz)Flavored Cheese – Horseradish1/2-lb, 1-lb, 2.5-lb, 5-lb, 40-lbFlavored Cheese – Old Bay Cheddar1/2-lb, 1-lb, 2.5-lb, 5-lb, 40-lbPepper Jack Cheese Varieties – Jalapeno Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sizzlin Colby with Habanero Peppers1/2-lb, 1-lb, 2.5-lb, 5-lb, 40-lbPepper Jack Cheese Varieties – Snack Pack Assorted Pepperjack Stix – Jalapeno Cheddar, Pepper JackRegular size Approx 0.40-lbs (6.4-oz)Pepper Jack Cheese Varieties – 3-in-a-Pack Assorted Jalapeno Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sizzlin ColbyApprox. 0.20-lbs (3.2-oz)Smoked Cheddar Cheese Varieties – Cheddar, White Cheddar1/2-lb, 1-lbSmoked Pepper Cheese Varieties – Jalapeno Cheddar1/2-lb pieces, 1-lb pieces
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the 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, other complications and death. 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.
