Deadly listeria outbreak sparks expanded cheese recall across multiple states
Health officials suspended Clover Hill Dairy's license on May 30 over the public health risk
Food delivery drones take flight in the Northeast
FOX Business correspondent Madison Alworth reports that it’s likely the service will expand further on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
A Maryland dairy is recalling all of its cheese products after health officials warned they may be contaminated with listeria.
Clover Hill Dairy of Mechanicsville, Maryland, has agreed to voluntarily recall every cheese product it makes, including ricotta, cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack and other varieties, according to a Sunday announcement from the Maryland Department of Health.
Health officials said eight listeria infections and one death may be linked to the recalled cheese.
FDA ISSUES HIGHEST-RISK RECALL FOR ALFREDO SAUCE SOLD IN 41 STATES
Ricotta cheese is shown in a bowl with basil and tomatoes. Clover Hill Dairy recalled certain soft ricotta cheese products over possible listeria contamination, federal health officials said. (iStock / iStock)
"The facility has agreed to initiate a voluntary recall for all of its cheese products," the Maryland Department of Health stated.
The recall expands an earlier recall for Clover Hill soft ricotta cheese sold from May 4 through May 30 in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
The recalled ricotta were sold in 10-, 12- and 14-ounce clamshell containers. Some packages may list plant number 24-128 on the label. The cheese was sold through retail stores, bulk distributors and direct-to-consumer sales, according to a June 9 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FROZEN PIZZA SNACK RECALL HITS 21 STATES OVER POSSIBLE METAL CONTAMINATION IN PRODUCT
This image shows a recalled Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta with jalapeños container.
The recalled cheese may also have been sold in bulk 5-gallon and 2-gallon buckets and repackaged under other brand names, including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO and RIO LINDO.
Maryland health officials suspended the dairy’s license on May 30 because of the public health risk.
Listeria can cause fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The bacteria can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeria can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the FDA.
A Clover Hill Dairy retail price list shows several cheese varieties sold by the Maryland dairy. (Maryland Department of Health)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese should not eat it and should return it to the place of purchase in its original packaging for a full refund.
"Clover Hill Dairy board and staff members sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and hardships caused by this recall, and we sincerely hope to correct this problem as soon as it is safely possible," the company said in the June 9 recall notice.
Clover Hill Dairy could not immediately be reached by FOX Business for comment.