Federal agencies say the investigation remains ongoing, with additional products potentially affected as testing continues. Consumers have been advised not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheese and to discard any affected products immediately.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the outbreak has been associated with requeson, a soft cheese similar to ricotta, produced by Clover Hill Dairy, LLC of Mechanicsville, Maryland. The case count spans several years, with specimen collection dates ranging from March 2023 to May 2026.
The investigation has involved cooperation between the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health agencies. Officials have also issued guidance for retailers and consumers because Listeria can survive under refrigeration and spread to other foods and surfaces.
Investigation Links Recalled Cheese to Outbreak Strain
According to the FDA’s June 9 update, nine people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been identified across Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Eight people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported. Among eight individuals interviewed by investigators, six reported eating cheese before becoming ill. Two specifically reported consuming requeson made by Clover Hill Dairy.
The investigation gained momentum after health officials in New York examined two related listeria cases from the same family. According to the FDA, both individuals had purchased requeson cheese from a retailer in Brentwood, Long Island. Testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found Listeria monocytogenes in a repackaged cheese sample collected from that retailer.
Whole genome sequencing later confirmed that the bacterial strain detected in the cheese matched the strain linked to the illnesses. Investigators subsequently traced the product back to Clover Hill Dairy.
An unopened 18-pound container of Clover Hill Dairy requeson also tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA reported that genome sequencing confirmed the strain found in that product matched the outbreak strain.
Distribution Footprint and Consumer Guidance
The recall covers all soft ricotta and requeson cheese manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy. Products were sold in multiple package sizes, including 10-, 12-, and 14-ounce containers, as well as larger bulk containers supplied to distributors and retailers.
According to the FDA, some bulk cheese was repackaged under different brand names, including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, and RIO LINDO. Some varieties also contained jalapeños or other flavorings.
Distribution has been confirmed in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., although officials noted that products could have reached additional locations. A separate recall initiated by distributor Nelson & Isa Lacteos involved one-pound packages sold at retail locations in New York between May 15 and May 28, 2026.
The FDA advises consumers to check refrigerators and freezers for recalled products and either return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them. Retailers, restaurants, and consumers are also being urged to clean and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with the cheese.
According to the CDC, listeria infection can cause symptoms ranging from fever, nausea, and muscle aches to more severe illness involving headache, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe disease. The investigation remains active, and federal officials say further testing is underway.
