2024 Recalls of Food Products Associated with Dairy Products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. due to the Potential Risk of Listeria monocytogenes
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California. A sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024. In response to that finding, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. CDC and FDA reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the cotija cheese sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak. In response to this investigation, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled all sell by dates of its dairy products. The recalled products include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.
More information including advice for consumers, restaurants, and retailers is available at FDA's Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese (February 2024)
The table below lists recalls conducted by companies that further processed the dairy products by using them as ingredients in new products or by repackaging them.
| Company Announcement Date | Brand(s) | Product Description | Company Name | FDA Enforcement Report (where available) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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02/07/2024 |
Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, Southwest Salad |
Trader Joe’s Company |
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02/07/2024 |
Black Bean 6 Layer Dip |
Simply Fresh LLC |
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02/07/2024 |
Cilantro Lime Crema, Everything Sauce Fiesta, Cilantro Cotija dressing, Poblano Caesar dressing, Cilantro Dressing, Street Taco Express Meal Kit |
Fresh Creative Foods |
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02/08/2024 |
Southwest Chopped Salad Kit, Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit, Fresh Mex Chopped Kit, Queso Crunch Salad Kit |
Ready Pac Foods, Inc. |
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02/08/2024 |
Bright Farms Southwest Chipotle Crunch Kit salad kit |
BrightFarms, Inc. |
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02/08/2024 |
Fresh Express Salsa! Ensalada Kit, Marketside Southwest Chopped Salad Kit |
Fresh Express |
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| 02/09/2024 | Marketside | Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kit | Braga Fresh | |
| 02/09/2024 | Marketside | Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Salad Kit | Taylor Fresh Foods | |
| 02/09/2024 | Fresh and Ready, Sprig and Sprout, Jack and Olive | Torta sandwiches | Fresh and Ready Foods | |
| 02/08/2024 | Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw's, Star Market, Lucky | Chicken Taco Kits and Meals | Albertsons Companies | |
| 02/09/2024 | Dole, Marketside, President’s Choice | Salad kits | Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. |
Public Notifications
Companies have issued public notifications for products linked to the Rizo-López Foods, Inc. dairy products recall that were sold at retail locations. Some of the public notifications are listed here:
- Costco Member Letter for Southwest Wrap (Item #29433)
- Costco Member Letter for Chicken Street Taco Kit (Item #11545) BA, LA and Select NW & SD Locations
- Costco Member Letter for Maverick Foods Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl (Item #1704074) TE Locations
- Product Recalls Archive | Sprouts.com
- Lucky Supermarkets | Recall Information
- Save Mart | Recall Information