Soft Cheese Recall Expands for Potential Listeria Contamination Causing Deadly Multi-State Outbreak

La Ceiba Foods has issued a recall of its Salvadoran and Mexican cottage cheese products due to concerns over potential Listeria contamination. The announcement, published by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 26, highlights the risks associated with these items, which have been linked to a broader multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections.

The affected cheeses under La Ceiba Foods’ La Colonia and Selectos Latinos brands include several varieties of soft cheese known as requeson and ricotta style cheese. The recalled products include La Colonia’s 14-ounce Salvadoreno Requeson and Selectos Latinos’ 16-ounce Requeson Salvadoreno along with its 16-ounce Requeson Mexicano. All products listed in the recall have an expiration date of July 10, 2026, and were distributed to retailers across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., between May 11 and June 1, 2026.

Health officials have been diligently investigating the outbreak, which is attributed to Clover Hill Dairy, the supplier of La Ceiba Foods. The FDA has reported a total of 12 confirmed Listeria infections linked to this outbreak, with 10 individuals requiring hospitalisation and one leading to a fatality. The outbreak has affected several states, including New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois.

In light of these serious health concerns, La Ceiba Foods has advised consumers not to consume or serve the recalled products. The company also encouraged customers to return affected items to their place of purchase to receive a full refund. This recall follows a larger initiative undertaken by Clover Hill Dairy, which initially began recalling its soft ricotta products on June 3 and subsequently expanded its recall on June 18 to include all cheese products manufactured at its facility.

The FDA has indicated that environmental samples from Clover Hill Dairy have tested positive for Listeria that matches the outbreak strain, raising alarm over the facility’s operations. As a precautionary measure, the Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating licence, which raises questions about food safety and regulatory oversight.

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium in question, can lead to serious health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations including young children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with impaired immune systems. Symptoms of infection may present as fever, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, severe headaches, and illness can sometimes escalate to severe complications, including miscarriages or stillbirths in expectant mothers.

The FDA has strongly advised high-risk individuals to avoid so-called queso fresco-type cheeses, which have been linked to instances of Listeria infections over the years. La Ceiba Foods, in their recall statement, expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience caused and reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict food safety standards.

While La Ceiba Foods has taken immediate steps in response to the recall, they have faced challenges in directly communicating to the public. Neither La Ceiba Foods nor Clover Hill Dairy was available for comment at the time of reporting, leaving some questions about the ongoing investigation and the full extent of the impact on consumers.

The ongoing investigation by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the critical nature of food safety in the United States. As the situation develops, consumers are urged to remain vigilant, regularly check their purchased products against recall announcements, and report any suspected Listeria infection symptoms to healthcare professionals promptly.

To assist consumers with any questions or concerns, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission has opened a line for inquiries regarding Clover Hill Dairy at 240-528-8850 extension 327. As the investigation continues, further updates regarding this outbreak and associated recalls are expected, and consumers are urged to prioritise safety when it comes to food consumption.