A Maryland-based dairy manufacturer recalled all of its soft ricotta/requeson cheese in the wake of a deadly Listeria outbreak that has sickened people across three states.
Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville made the announcement following notification of contamination from the Maryland Department of Health.
It comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a “multi-year outbreak” of Listeria with potential links to requeson.
Between March 6, 2023, and May 9, 2026, nine people have been infected with the strain of Listeria linked to Clover Hill Dairy’s cheese. Eight people required hospitalization, and there has been one death linked to the outbreak.
A map published by the CDC shows people got sick in New York, Maryland, and Virginia, but the product was sold in other states as well.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest development in the Listeria outbreak.
What products are affected?
According to a recall notice posted this week by the FDA, Clover Hill Dairy has recalled soft ricotta/requeson cheese in a number of sizes.
In individual clamshell containers:
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
- 14 oz
Recalled cheese with a “Clover Hill Dairy Cheese” label on these small containers should have a plant number of 24-128 on them.
Clover Hill Dairy has also recalled cheese sold in bulk containers:
- Five gallon bucket
- Two gallon buckets
This cheese might have been repacked with distributor brand names such as:
- Kesso
- Quesos La Ricura
- Izalco
- De Mi Pueblo
- Rio Lindo
Another Clover Hill Dairy distributor, New York-based Nelson & Isa Lacteos, recalled one-pound packages of requeson cheese sold in clamshell containers.
The cheese might also be sold in flavors such as jalapeño.
Pictures of the affected products are available here.
Where and when was the product sold?
The recalled cheese was initially distributed from May 4, 2026, to May 30, 2026. It went to retail stores, customers, and bulk distributors in the following locations:
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
The Nelson & Isa Lacteos products were sold in New York between May 15, 2026 and May 28, 2026.
What should I do if I have this product?
Do not eat any of the cheese included in the recall. Either throw it away or bring it to your place of purchase for a refund.
The FDA further states, “Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled cheese including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched.”
What Listeria symptoms should I look out for?
A Listeria infection can cause symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- High fever
- Nausea
- Stiffness
Pregnant individuals might experience fatigue, fever, or muscle aches. They are also at risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
Along with pregnant people, Listeria is more likely to seriously affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The FDA recommends avoiding “any queso fresco-type cheese, including soft ricotta/requeson” if you’re in one of these categories.