Soft Ricotta Requeson Recall Triggers Multi‑State Listeria Outbreak Alerts

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Lethal Listeria Strain Linked to Soft Ricotta Requeson Spurs Nationwide Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has initiated a recall of soft ricotta requesón produced by Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, after a deadly strain of Listeria monocytogenes was identified in the product. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nine confirmed infections, eight hospitalizations and one fatality across three states, prompting urgent public‑health alerts.

Key Takeaways

Recall Trigger: FDA’s recall targets all soft ricotta requesón batches from Clover Hill Dairy following detection of a lethal Listeria strain.
Health Impact: CDC confirms nine cases, eight hospitalizations and one death linked to the contaminated product.
Geographic Scope: Incidents span three states, underscoring a multi‑state outbreak.
Consumer Guidance: Consumers are urged to discard any affected requesón, check packaging for lot numbers, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Regulatory Action: FDA and state health departments are conducting joint inspections and will monitor for additional cases.
Supply Chain Implications: The recall may affect distribution channels nationwide, prompting retailers to pull inventory pending verification.
Preventive Measures: Industry experts emphasize stringent pasteurization and testing protocols to mitigate future Listeria contamination.
Reporting: Healthcare providers should report suspected cases to local health authorities to aid traceability.