Roos Mexican Cheese Recall Expanded Due To Listeria Risk

A recall previously issued for Roos Foods Mexican cheese, which has been linked to a listeria outbreak that hospitalized 7 people and killed at least one, has been expanded to include more cheese and sour cream products that may also be contaminated.  

The Roos Foods recall expansion was announced by the FDA on March 1, following further investigation that found listeria monocytogens could be present in more than the initially recalled Mexican-style cheese products.

According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least seven people in Maryland and one person in California have been diagnosed with listeria poisoning that appears to be linked to a strain of bacteria found in the Roos Cheese products, with five of the illnesses involving newborns or mothers who recently gave birth.

The original Mexican cheese recall was issued on February 23, following the discovery of the outbreak. That recall included 12-ounce and 16-ounce containers of Hispanic-style cheese products sold at retail stores in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and California.

The recall has been expanded to include all sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Queso Duro Blando, Mexicana Queso Cojito Molido,  Amigo, Anita, Mexicana, and Santa Rose de Lima brands of: Cuajada En Terron, Cuajada/Cuajadita Cacer, Cuajada Fresca, Queso Fresco Round, and Queso Duro Viejo (hard cheeses), Requeson, Queso de Huerta and Quesco Fresco cheese. The cheese products were packaged in various sized clear plastic wrapped Styrofoam trays, clear plastic vacuumed packages, and clear plastic containers.

In addition to the cheese products, Roos Foods is also recalling all product sizes and containers of Santa Rosa de Lima Crema Salvadorena Cultured Sour Cream, Santa Rosa de Lima Mantequilla de Bolsa Tradicion Centroamericana, Crema Pura Mexicana Cultured Sour Cream, La Chapina Crema Guatemalteca Guatemalan Style Cream, and Amigo Brand Crema Centroamericana Cultured Sour Cream. The sour cream products were packaged in various sized white plastic tus, clear plastic pouches, and clear plastic jars.

The recalled cheese and sour cream products manufactured by Roos Foods of Kenton, Delaware and were distributed for sale to retail stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Listeria may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in carriers and especially those with weakened immune systems such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Symptoms of listeria infection typically include nausea, muscle ache, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. Some cases of listeria may become more life threatening when the infection moves through the bloodstream into nervous system resulting in sometimes fatal infections.

The FDA, CDC, and Roos Foods are encouraging customer to destroy all lots of recalled cheese and sour cream products to prevent further expansion of the outbreak. Customers with questions should contact Virginia Mejia at 302-653-0600 or the CDC at 800-232-4636.