HEALTH

United States links Listeria outbreak to soft cheese

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United States links Listeria outbreak to soft cheese

UNITED STATES – U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to soft requesón cheese produced by Clover Hill Dairy, LLC, based in Montgomery, Alabama. As of June 9, 2026, nine infections have been reported across three states, with eight people hospitalized and one death confirmed in Maryland. Investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration traced the outbreak to requesón cheese supplied by the dairy after laboratory testing, including whole genome sequencing, showed that Listeria found in an unopened 18-pound bucket of the cheese collected from a retail distributor matched the strain identified in sick patients. UNITED STATES – Clover Hill Dairy has issued a comprehensive recall of all soft ricotta and requesón cheese produced at its facility between May 4 and May 30, 2026. The recalled products were distributed in 10, 12, and 14-ounce clamshell containers, as well as in bulk 2-gallon and 5-gallon buckets, to outlets in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, DC, and may have been repackaged under local brands including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, and RIO LINDO. Officials say the number of illnesses may rise as additional cases are diagnosed and reported, and they urge consumers to discard any recalled cheese or return it to the place of purchase and to watch for listeriosis symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and confusion, particularly among pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 4, 2026 Cheese production period begins
May 30, 2026 Final recalled cheese batch produced
Early June 2026 Rising listeriosis cases reported
By June 9, 2026 Nine illnesses, one death confirmed
June 9, 2026 Whole genome sequencing links samples
June 9, 2026 Clover Hill Dairy initiates nationwide recall
June 9, 2026 CDC and FDA public safety advisory
Following weeks Additional infections under investigation

Why This Matters to You

This Listeria outbreak could affect your health, especially if you've recently consumed soft cheese. The elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Check your fridge for recalled brands like KESSO and QUESOS LA RICURA. If found, discard or return them.

The Bottom Line

Clover Hill Dairy's cheese recall is serious. Nine people have fallen ill, and one person has died. Officials expect more cases. If you've eaten soft cheese and feel unwell, seek medical attention. Worth forwarding if you know a cheese lover.