Soft Cheese Recalled Amid Listeria Outbreak Investigation
A popular soft cheese has been recalled in the United States following an investigation into a listeria outbreak that has affected at least eight people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Clover Hill Dairy, based in Mechanicsville, Maryland, has voluntarily recalled its requeson cheese after Listeria monocytogenes was identified in product samples. This bacterium is known to cause a serious form of food poisoning.
The FDA, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported that eight individuals infected with the specific strain of Listeria linked to this outbreak have been identified in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Tragically, one person has died, and seven others have been hospitalised as a result of the infection.
According to the FDA, samples from sick individuals were collected between March 6, 2023, and May 9, 2026. Of the seven individuals who were interviewed, five reported consuming cheese. Crucially, two of these individuals specifically mentioned eating requeson cheese produced by Clover Hill Dairy.
Further analysis revealed that the strain of Listeria found in the recalled requeson cheese precisely matches the strain responsible for illnesses in two cases in New York. These individuals had reported purchasing cheese from a retailer located in Brentwood on Long Island.
Products impacted by this recall can be identified by the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit number, which is “24-128.” The cheese, which may be flavoured with jalapeño or other ingredients, was sold directly from Clover Hill Dairy’s retail markets in Maryland and distributed through various retailers across New York and Virginia.
However, the FDA has cautioned that there is currently insufficient evidence to definitively conclude that the recalled cheese accounts for the entirety of the outbreak. The agency is in the initial stages of its investigation, and it is possible that additional products could be implicated. Further testing by the FDA and its state partners is actively underway.
Consumers who are in possession of the recalled requeson cheese are strongly advised to discard it immediately. Furthermore, it is essential to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product to prevent potential cross-contamination.
Beyond the recalled cheese sold to consumers, an unopened 18-pound sealed bucket of requeson manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy has also tested positive for Listeria. An in-depth analysis of this particular batch is still pending. In response to the findings, the Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license and is cooperating with the facility in a follow-up evaluation.
Understanding Listeria and its Risks
Listeria bacteria are known to contaminate a wide variety of foods, leading to foodborne illnesses when consumed. The CDC explains that while symptoms can vary, a Listeria infection can manifest as both invasive and intestinal illness. For otherwise healthy individuals, short-term symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Listeria infection is a serious concern in the United States, being the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses. The CDC estimates that it is responsible for approximately 172 deaths annually.
Recent Food Safety Alerts
This recall is not an isolated incident, as several food products have recently raised concerns regarding potential health risks. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for Daisy Brand headcheese due to suspected Listeria contamination. In that instance, a formal recall was not issued as the affected products were no longer available for purchase by consumers.
