Clover Hill Dairy is recalling all of its cheese products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis. The outbreak has resulted in one death and eight hospitalizations across New York, Maryland, and Virginia, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The Maryland-based dairy initially recalled its Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese but has since expanded the recall to include all cheese products sold at its retail market, farmers markets, and through other distributors.
Recalled products were distributed in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collaborating to identify any other products potentially linked to the recall. Officials are advising consumers to discard any recalled cheese or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA has classified this recall as Class I, signifying a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.
Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. While most healthy individuals recover from infection, the bacteria can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. In severe cases, the infection can spread from the digestive system to the central nervous system, causing confusion, seizures, and potentially death. Approximately 250 Americans die from listeria infections annually.
Symptoms of listeriosis typically include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The bacteria are commonly found in moist environments and can survive refrigeration. Foods commonly associated with listeria contamination include unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and ready-to-eat items such as pre-packaged sandwiches, cooked shellfish, cured meats, and pre-cut fruit.