In a significant turn of events, Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc., the supplier of popular cheese brand Sargento, initiated a product recall last month, prompting a swift response from the cheese giant. The recall was a precautionary measure undertaken after the supplier’s products were linked to a potential health risk.
Sargento, prioritizing consumer safety, wasted no time in terminating its contract with Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. and promptly issued a press release on 2nd January to inform the public about the situation. The recall encompasses a wide range of cheese varieties, including cotija, parmesan, swiss, asiago, monterey jack, white cheddar, cheddar, and blends designed for nacho, taco, Italian, and quesadilla dishes. Over 10,000 cases of these popular shredded cheeses are affected.
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Extensive Dairy Recall: Multiple Brands and Variants
Not limited to just cheeses, the recall extends to a vast array of more than 60 dairy products. These include French, both fat and low fat, fermented milk products, and yoghurt of European, Greek, and Russian origin. Marketed under various brand name variants such as Campesino, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros., Food City, El Toñador, La Ordena, Don Francisco, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Tio Francisco, and 365 Whole Foods Market, the recall encompasses a broad spectrum of dairy offerings.
Listeria Recall Spreads Across Numerous States
Contrary to common belief, the impact of the Listeria recall is not confined to a few states. The footprint spreads across both the northern and southern regions of the country, affecting states like Arizona, California, Columbus, Florida, Georgia, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Las Vegas, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Providence, Texas, Tucson, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Decade-Long Pattern of Contamination
Health departments have been attributing product contamination caused by Listeria bacteria to Rizo-López Foods Industrial Company for the past decade. This bacterial contamination has resulted in two deaths and over 20 illnesses, according to government health authorities.
CDC Reports Connection Between Outbreak and Rizo-Lopez Foods
Recent laboratory tests and inspections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have linked soft cheeses and other dairy products manufactured by Rizo-Lopez Foods in Modesto, California, to an outbreak first identified in June 2014. Since the outbreak’s detection, at least 26 people across 11 states have fallen ill, with fatalities reported in California in 2017 and Texas in 2020.
FDA Identifies Causative Agents
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted inspections and identified the fresh cheese queso fresco and finishing cheese cotija as the causative agents of the reported cases. These products were distributed nationwide through a vast network, serving retail stores and deli counters, including El Super, Cardenas Market, Northgate Gonzalez, Superior Groceries, El Rancho, Vallarta, Food City, La Michoacana, and Numero Uno Markets.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them appropriately. This development serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in safeguarding public health.
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