The National Cheese Recall Was Just Expanded to Affect Another US State

More products have been added to the nationwide recall of cheese and dairy products produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. In the original cheese recall announcement, published Monday, February 5, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that several dairy products from Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. had been implicated in a multi-state listeriosis outbreak involving several illnesses and two deaths.

Since then, the FDA has issued updates on a rolling basis as more products have been added to the recall list across several states and various markets.

On February 21, 2024, another recall alert specified concerns for product that had been distributed to Salt Lake City, UT.

Rico Brand, located in Salt Lake City, has voluntarily recalled four ready-to-eat enchilada meals that could contain recalled queso fresco cheese. The enchiladas were distributed in several Utah retailers, including Smith’s, Harmons, Macey’s The Store, and Fresh Markets.

It’s reported the recalled products are packaged in a plant fiber tray with the following lot codes and expiration dates located on the white label:

• Lot. 0234, 02/13/24
• Lot. 0264, 02/16/24
• Lot. 0304, 02/20/24
• Lot. 0334, 02/23/24

The affected products

The FDA listed the following products, details and UPC codes for this recall addendum:

• Cheese Enchiladas with Red 4/pkg, 14.5 oz/UPC 65366006001
• Cheese Enchiladas with Green 4/pkg, 14.5 oz/UPC 65366006002
• Chicken Enchilada with Rice & Beans/Green, 14 oz/UPC 65366006015
• Chicken Enchilada with Mole, Rice & Beans, 14 oz/UPC  65366006016

While no illnesses have been reported to date from these specific products, customers are urged to dispose of or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone with questions can call Rico Brand directly at 801-433-9923 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST, or email [email protected].

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Stores that carry or use the recalled dairy products

It’s reported the larger recall, which involved food safety inquiries dating back to 2014, includes 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and two deaths to date. So far, the FDA suggests 11 states have reported illnesses, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled all of its dairy products and ceased production and distribution during the investigation by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and state and local health authorities.

The recalled dairy products are sold both under brand names and unbranded at a wide range of supermarkets and grocery stores. The brand names that potentially carry Rizo-Lopez, Inc. dairy are Bright Farms, Campesino, Casa Cardenas, Dole, Don Francisco, Don Pancho, Dos Ranchitos, El Huache, Food City, Fresh & Ready Foods, Fresh Express, H-E-B, Jack & Olive, La Ordena, Marketside, Maverick Foods, President’s Choice, Ready Pac Bistro, Rio Grande, Rizo Bros, Rojos, San Carlos, Santa Maria, Sprig & Sprout (S&S), The Perfect Bite Co., Tio Francisco, Trader Joe’s, and 365 Whole Foods Market.

The unbranded products, which include taco kits, wraps, and other meals, have been found at Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Carrs-Safeway, Costco, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Save Mart, Shaw’s, Sprouts (S&S), Star Market, Stater Bros. Markets, Tom Thumb, and Vons. A full list of products, UPCs, and additional updates can be found on the FDA’s page devoted to the investigation.

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