A California cheese and dairy company, Rizo-López Foods, has been ordered to cease production by the U.S. Department of Justice following a multi-year listeria outbreak that resulted in two deaths and illnesses in dozens of people. The decision to halt operations comes after evidence linked Rizo-López products to the outbreak that started in June 2014. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 26 people in 11 states were affected, with 23 hospitalized, including the two fatalities. One death occurred in California in 2017, and the other in Texas in 2020. While the CDC had previously investigated the outbreak in 2017 and 2021, insufficient information prevented identification of a specific brand.

The breakthrough came in January 2023 when Hawaii officials detected listeria in a sample of Rizo Brothers Aged Cotija, prompting a limited recall that was later expanded to include over 60 products distributed nationwide. The Justice Department’s Civil Division stated their commitment to collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure food manufacturers uphold safety standards and protect consumer health.

The Listeria Outbreak

A Multi-Year Investigation

The outbreak linked to Rizo-López Foods spanned over a decade, dating back to June 2014. The CDC initially investigated the outbreak in 2017 and again in 2021, but the investigation proved inconclusive in identifying the source.

Identifying the Source

The crucial turning point came in January 2023 when a listeria detection in a sample of Rizo Brothers Aged Cotija cheese in Hawaii reignited the investigation. This led to the identification of Rizo-López Foods as the source of the contamination.

Impact and Response

Impact on Consumers

The listeria outbreak has impacted the health of dozens of people, leading to hospitalizations and sadly, two deaths. The affected individuals were located across 11 states, highlighting the wide reach of the contamination.

Regulatory Action

The U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with the FDA, swiftly responded to the findings, securing a court order to cease Rizo-López Foods operations. This action underscores their commitment to holding food manufacturers accountable for consumer safety.

Listeria: A Serious Health Concern

Listeria is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to life-threatening complications. The CDC notes that those most vulnerable to listeria infections are pregnant women and their newborns, people 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Symptoms of listeria infection typically arise within two weeks of consuming contaminated food. These include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

More serious cases may involve:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

Preventing Listeria Infection

The CDC emphasizes the importance of preventing listeria infections, especially for individuals in high-risk categories. The following measures can help reduce exposure:

• Thorough Handwashing: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw food, before eating, and after using the restroom.
• Proper Food Storage: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly. Avoid leaving food out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Careful Food Preparation: Thoroughly cook meats and poultry to their recommended internal temperatures.
• Avoiding High-Risk Foods: Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid certain high-risk foods such as raw sprouts, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and refrigerated meat spreads.

Takeaway Points

• The outbreak of listeria traced to Rizo-López Foods underscores the crucial role of food safety regulations in protecting public health.
• The multi-year investigation highlighted the challenges of tracking foodborne illnesses, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and collaboration between regulatory agencies.
• The consequences of foodborne illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations, emphasize the importance of proper food handling practices, food safety education, and readily accessible healthcare services.
• Consumers need to be aware of potential food contamination risks and implement appropriate food safety measures at home to prevent illness.