CDC Warns of Listeria Outbreak Linked to Requeson/Soft Ricotta Cheese
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a Listeria outbreak linked to soft ricotta cheese, specifically requesón, with eight confirmed cases across Maryland, New York, and Virginia. One individual in Maryland has died, and seven others have been hospitalized, according to official reports. The outbreak is tied to products made by Clover Hill Dairy, which have been recalled, and the Maryland Department of Health has suspended the company’s operating license.
What Happened
The outbreak involves a single strain of Listeria monocytogenes, which has sickened eight people in three states. The affected individuals consumed soft cheeses produced by Clover Hill Dairy, which were distributed in grocery stores and retail locations. The Maryland Department of Health has halted the dairy’s operations while conducting a follow-up evaluation. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating whether other products are connected to the outbreak.
Why It Matters
Listeria poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The bacteria can cause invasive listeriosis, leading to severe complications such as pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. For older adults and immunocompromised individuals, the illness often results in hospitalization or death. The outbreak highlights the dangers of even pasteurized soft cheeses, which can harbor Listeria if contaminated during processing or storage.
What May Happen Next
The CDC and FDA are likely to expand their investigation to determine if additional products are contaminated. Retailers and consumers are urged to discard recalled cheese and clean refrigerators and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. If new products are linked to the outbreak, further recalls and public health advisories could follow. State health departments may provide updates on local cases, and the Maryland Department of Health could impose additional regulatory actions against Clover Hill Dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I ate the recalled cheese? Do not consume it. If you experience symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
Who is most at risk from Listeria? Pregnant women, individuals aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe complications.
How long after eating contaminated food do symptoms appear? Symptoms can emerge within two weeks but may take up to 10 weeks to develop.
What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from foodborne illnesses in the future?