The Hawaii State Department of Health is alerting residents of a recall of Rizo Bros. California Creamery’s Cotija Aged Mexican Grating Cheese because tests have found Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The product was distributed nationwide.
The recall is the result of a food sampling and analysis partnership conducted by the state health department’s Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch and Food and Drug Branch.
To date, there have been no reports of illness or adverse events in Hawaii attributed to the recalled product.
There is concern that consumers may have the recalled cheese in their homes because it has a sell by date of May 12. The batch code and sell-by date can be found printed along the back edge of the package.
The recalled product information is as follows:
- UPC code: 72724200043
- Batch number: 4DW-23318
- Sell by: 05/12/24
- Size: 8-ounce package
For additional information, consumers may contact Rizo Bros. California Creamery at 209-232-3700.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalledproduct and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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