Fatal Listeria Contamination Expands Clover Hill Recall

Clover Hill Dairy has significantly expanded a recall of its cheese products due to concerns over listeria contamination. This expansion follows an outbreak that has been linked to at least one fatality and eight hospitalizations, according to an FDA recall report issued on June 18.

The initial recall, which focused on soft ricotta cheese, was broadened to include all cheese products manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy. The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, as well as miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Recalled products may carry the manufacturer's permit number '24-128' on their clamshell containers. They might also be found under various other brand names, including 'KESSO,' 'QUESOS LA RICURA,' 'IZALCO,' 'DE MI PUEBLO,' and 'RIO LINDO.' Consumers are urged not to consume, serve, or sell these products and to return them to their place of purchase for a refund.

The contaminated cheese products were sold through Clover Hill Dairy's own retail market, various farmers markets, and third-party distributors. The affected sales areas include North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Consumers seeking more information can contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.