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More than a dozen Queso Fresco cheeses recalled due to listeria contamination

A least 7 people have been sickened by Listeria monocytogenes in 4 states. And while the outbreak has yet to be linked to Queso Fresco cheese, a recall has been initiated. El Abuelito Cheese of Paterson, New Jersey and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the move yesterday. The recall covers more than a dozen different products, sold in stores through Tuesday, February 16th.

Listeria monocytogenes can lead to an infection known as listeriosis. Typically listeriosis isn’t that concerning for young and relatively healthy adults. Symptoms usually consist of a severe headache, high fever, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. An infection from listeria in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems can be deadly though. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

While there are too many recalled items to list here, we will provide a link to them below. You should know though, that if your Queso Fresco product has a sell by date through 032821, it has been recalled. These recalled cheeses were sold in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. They were sold in your local grocer, wholesale, and in retail stores. Each recalled cheese came in a plastic container with their size ranging anywhere from as little as 10 oz. to as much as 5 lbs.

Out of an abundance of caution, El Abuelito has ceased production of the cheese in question until more can be learned about the origin and spread of the listeria contamination. If you purchased any of the recalled El Abuelito Queso Fresco cheese, you should discard it or return it to your local grocer for a refund.

For a complete list of the recalled cheeses and to read the FDA’s press release, click here: https://bit.ly/3aMKovn