A national investigation is underway into a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to soft ricotta and requeson cheese products, leading to a recall that impacts consumers and food service establishments across the country. Eight illnesses have been reported, with seven individuals hospitalized and one death attributed to the outbreak.
The affected products, manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy under permit number 24-128, include soft ricotta and requeson cheese. Federal and state health officials have identified Maryland, New York, and Virginia as the states where illnesses have been reported.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for Listeria infection, can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. These include pregnant individuals, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance, to convulsions. For pregnant individuals, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers are advised to immediately cease consumption, sale, or serving of any recalled Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta or requeson cheese products. Public health guidance emphasizes the importance of thorough cleaning and sanitization of any surfaces, containers, or refrigerators that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese. Listeria is known for its ability to spread and survive in refrigerated environments, making comprehensive cleaning critical to prevent further contamination.
While no specific cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in Aiken or the broader Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), the interconnected nature of the national food supply chain means these products could have been distributed locally. Grocers, specialty food stores, and restaurants in Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda counties, and the Augusta, Georgia metro area across the river, are advised to check their inventories against the recall notice to ensure no affected products remain on shelves or in kitchens.
Local health departments throughout the CSRA routinely monitor federal food safety alerts and stand ready to provide guidance. Although no localized advisory has been issued for this particular outbreak, general food safety practices remain paramount. These include washing hands and surfaces frequently, separating raw meat from other foods, cooking to the right temperature, and refrigerating promptly, especially during the warmer summer months.
Federal and state investigators are continuing their testing and analysis, and the scope of the recalled products may be updated as the investigation progresses. Consumers who believe they have purchased or consumed the recalled cheese and are experiencing symptoms consistent with Listeria infection should seek medical attention.
