Queso fresco cheese recalled in Texas after Listeria found in product

Productos La Hacienda LLC is recalling  Queso Rico La Hacienda brand queso fresco cheese because it was found to contain Listeria monocytogenes

Testing found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample with an expiration date of 6/2/24 on sticker.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration, the recall was initiated on June 3, 2024, and is ongoing.

The recalled product was distributed to 80 retail stores located in three Texas counties in the Rio Grande Valley — Cameron County, Hidalgo County and Starr County

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 of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about 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, other complications, and death. 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.

Recalled product:

Queso Rico La Hacienda brand queso fresco cheese packaged in 9 oz, 1 pound, and 2 pound plastic packages. 

• Product labeling reads in part: ***QUESO RICO LA HACIENDA***EL QUESO FRESCO FRESCO DE VERACRUZ***Lic. Permit #483709 El Queso Rico “LA HACIENDA”***5617 E. Trenton Rd., Suite B, Edinburg, TX 78539***tel. (956) 884-0021***(956) 451-1537***Keep Refrigerated***Made With 100% Pasteurized Milk***AL NATURAL***9 OZ. CONT. NET.***6/2/24***

• Product Quantity: 640 pounds

Consumers and retailers should not use this product. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)