The cheese is supplied by Clover Hill Dairy, which is linked to a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria infections
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- La Ceiba Foods recalled its Salvadoran and Mexican cottage cheeses due to potential Listeria contamination
- The recall affects products distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. with an expiration date of July 10, 2026
- The FDA reports 12 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations and one death in a multi-state Listeria outbreak tied to Clover Hill Dairy, La Ceiba Foods’ supplier
A soft cheese has been recalled due to potential Listeria contamination.
La Ceiba Foods Latin Market Inc. recalled its Salvadoran Cottage Cheese and Mexican Cottage Cheese, also known as requeson, products under its La Colonia and Selectos Latinos brands, over potential Listeria risk, per an announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 26.
The recall marks an expansion of Clover Hill Dairy's soft ricotta (requeson) cheese recall linked to a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria infections. Clover Hill Dairy is the supplier for La Ceiba Foods.
La Ceiba's recall includes La Colonia's 14-oz. Salvadoreno Requeson, Soft Ricotta Cheese with UPC 736846383099; Selectos Latinos' 16-oz. Requeson Salvadoreno, Ricotta Style Salvadorean Style Cheese with UPC 767787984526; Selectos Latinos' 16-oz. Requeson Mexicano, Mexican Cottage Cheese with UPC 767787984519; and Clover Hill's 18-lb. Bucket of Requeson.
All of the items affected by this recall have an expiration date of July 10, 2026 and were distributed between May 11, 2026 and June 1, 2026.
Per the announcement, the recalled items were distributed across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to supermarkets, retailers and restaurants.
“Consumers are advised not to consume, sell or serve the recalled products. Products must be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the company wrote.
As part of its outbreak investigation, the FDA claimed the multi-state Listeria outbreak is linked to Clover Hill Dairy's soft cheese, and advised consumers and sellers of the affected products to sanitize any surfaces the cheese touched.
Consumers can also call the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy at 240-528-8850 extension 327 with questions.
“This recall was initiated after La Ceiba Foods was notified of a recall action by its supplier, Clover Hill Dairy, following the identification of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in products manufactured at the facility,” La Ceiba said in the announcement.
Credit: FDA
The statement noted that the FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is working with local and state partners to investigate a multi-state, multi-year Listeria outbreak they claim is linked to Clover Hill Dairy's requeson soft cheese.
It noted that 12 illnesses and one death have been reported to date in connection to this investigation.
The FDA stated that partners have found Clover Hill cheese and environmental samples that match the outbreak strain. It also said 10 people have been hospitalized in the outbreak, which has spread to New York, Maryland, Virginia and Illinois.
Per the agency, Clover Hill Dairy initially recalled its soft ricotta cheese products on June 3, expanding the recall on June 18 to include all cheese products manufactured at its firm.
The recalled Clover Hill Dairy items were sold in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. via the company's retail market and third-party distributors, as well as at farmers markets.
Per the agency, Clover Hill Dairy's operating license has been suspended by the Maryland Department of Health.
The FDA urged consumers to check the manufacturer information on cheese items, as Clover Hill sells its cheese under different brand names. The company's manufacturer permit number is 24-128.
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On June 5, one of Clover Hill Dairy Cheese's distributors, Nelson & Isa Lacteos, recalled requeson sold to New York retail locations between May 15 and May 28.
Per the La Ceiba recall announcement, Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes symptoms like fever, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe headaches and stiffness. Those with symptoms of Listeria infection should contact a healthcare provider.
The bacterium is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems and can cause serious or fatal infections. Additionally, Listeria can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women.
The FDA advised high risk individuals, including those with weakened immune systems, to avoid queso fresco-type cheeses.
“La Ceiba Foods sincerely regrets any inconvenience this recall may cause its customers and reaffirms its commitment to food safety and the quality of its products,” the company wrote in the announcement. “The company continues to work closely with its suppliers and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of the products it distributes.”
La Ceiba Foods and Clover Hill Dairy could not be reached for comment.
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