Update (Jan. 26, 2015): Queseria Bendita has now expanded the recall to include all best-by dates for its products. This article has been updated to reflect the expansion. Original article published Jan. 17, 2015: Queseria Bendita LLC of Yakima, WA, is recalling all lots of Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson and Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream to include those with best-by dates up to 4/16/2015 because of a potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and Sour Cream were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon, and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima. The recalled products are packaged with a clear plastic wrapper or plastic tub and are stamp-coded with the best-by date up to 4/16/2015. The products are refrigerated and have a shelf life of up to 90 days. The products being recalled are identified in the table below:

Product package size container type UPC Best By Date
Panela 1 lb. plastic wrap 6 10074 99341 4 ALL
Queso Fresco 1 lb. plastic wrap 0 94922 10602 5 ALL
Queso Fresco 3 lbs. plastic wrap None ALL
Requeson 1 lb. Tub 0 94922 10603 2 ALL
Sour Cream/Crema Agria 1 lb. Tub 0 94922 10608 7 none
Cotija Cheese 1 lb. plastic wrap none

  To date, there are a total of 3 cases of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to consumption of soft cheese produced by Queseria Bendita, including two hospitalizations and one death. The recall was the result of the investigation and samples collection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company has currently agreed to cease the production and distribution of all products. Consumers and retailers are advised to remove recalled products off the store shelves and destroy them. Consumers with questions can call the firm at (509) 961-8949 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST.

Listeria bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.