In response to concerns over potential listeria contamination, around 15 states have witnessed the removal of thousands of shredded cheese cases from store shelves. The supplier of Sargento Cheese, Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc., initiated a product recall last month, prompting Sargento to take swift action and announce the recall to prioritize consumer safety. The recall encompasses a wide range of cheese varieties, including cotija, parmesan, swiss, asiago, monterey jack, white cheddar, cheddar, and blends used in various dishes like nachos, tacos, Italian cuisine, and quesadillas. Over 10,000 cases of these shredded cheeses have been affected.
Additionally, the recall extends to more than 60 dairy products, including French and low-fat varieties, fermented milk products, and yogurts of European, Greek, and Russian origin. These products are sold under different brand names such as Campesino, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros., Food City, El Toñador, La Ordena, Don Francisco, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Tio Francisco, and 365 Whole Foods Market.
The recall has impacted states across the northern and southern regions of the country, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Health departments have attributed the recurring product contamination issues to Rizo-Lopez Foods Industrial Company over the past decade, with listeria bacteria being the culprit. Tragically, this contamination has led to the deaths of two individuals and sickened over 20 others, according to government health authorities.
Recent laboratory tests and inspections have linked soft cheeses and other dairy products manufactured by Rizo-Lopez Foods in Modesto, California, to an outbreak initially identified in June 2014, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
