Title: CDC Issues Food Safety Alert for Recalled Dairy Products Linked to Listeria Outbreak
(Modesto, CA) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert, warning consumers about a potential listeria outbreak linked to recalled cheeses, yogurts, and sour creams. Rizo-López Foods, a California-based company, has voluntarily recalled all dairy products produced at its Modesto facility due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The company’s decision to recall the products comes after the CDC reported that 26 people from eleven states have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria. Shockingly, the CDC states that two individuals from Texas and California have sadly lost their lives due to the infection.
The recalled items, sold under various brand names such as Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, and Rio Grande, are suspected to be the source of the contaminated dairy products. The CDC warns that the actual number of cases may be higher as some people may have recovered on their own without seeking medical attention or getting tested.
This particular strain of listeria has been under investigation by the CDC since 2017. Recently, the outbreak was reopened in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported and a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods tested positive for the strain.
Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as the infection can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. Therefore, anyone who may have consumed the recalled products is advised to be vigilant and look out for these symptoms.
In response to the recall, the CDC urges consumers to dispose of any recalled cheeses or dairy products and avoid consuming them. Furthermore, Rizo-López Foods has urged consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled items and to contact the company for additional assistance.
The affected dairy products were distributed nationwide, increasing the potential reach of this outbreak. The CDC and other health officials are working diligently to contain the spread of the infection and prevent further cases from occurring.
As the investigation continues, it is essential for consumers to stay informed and prioritize their health and safety. Regularly checking for any updates from the CDC and following their guidelines is crucial to minimizing the risk of contracting listeria.
For more information on the recall and to find out if any purchased products are affected, consumers can visit the CDC’s official website or contact Rizo-López Foods directly.
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