TOPIC: Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Soft Cheese (June 2026): Do Not Eat, Sell, or Serve Recalled Requeson/Soft Ricotta Cheese. FDA’s Investigation Is Ongoing
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Patient, Health Care Professional, Gastroenterology, OBGYN
ISSUE: As of June 4, 2026, the FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to requeson.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 8 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 3 states. Sick people's samples were collected on dates ranging from March 6, 2023, to May 9, 2026. Of the 7 people interviewed, 5 reported eating any cheese. Two people (29%) reported eating requeson made by Clover Hill Dairy.
There have been 7 hospitalizations, and one death reported.
This recall includes all requeson cheese manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy. Some varieties may have jalapeño or other flavors. Products may be relabeled under a different brand name when distributed, so consumers should check the manufacturer information on packages, if available. The label should identify the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit (or plant) number as “24-128”.
Clover Hill Dairy products are sold directly from their retail market in Maryland, at farmers markets, and through third party distributors, including in New York and Virginia.
The status of this outbreak investigation is ongoing.
For more information about this alert, click on the red button "Read Alert" below.
BACKGROUND: Requeson is a soft cheese similar to ricotta.
Symptoms of Listeriosis (Listeria Infection)
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Symptoms usually start within two weeks of eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
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Mild symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled soft ricotta/requeson cheese.
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Check your refrigerators and freezers for any recalled cheese and throw it away. If you froze cheese without the original packaging and can’t tell if it is part of the recall, throw it away.
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Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled cheese including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched. Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
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If you have symptoms of listeriosis you should contact your health care provider to report your symptoms and receive care.
Recommendation for At-Risk Groups:
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If you are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness (if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments) do not eat any queso fresco-type cheese, including soft ricotta/requeson.
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Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant women and newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
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Pregnant women typically experience only fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
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Call your health care professional right away if you have symptoms of a Listeria infection.
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