Listeria Outbreak Traced To Recalled Cheese Sold In New York

More than 30 types of cheese have been recalled by the FDA. As of February 27, 2021, the CDC reports ten people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes from four states, including New York.

El Abuelito Cheese of Paterson, NJ, is recalling all Queso Fresco (Fresh, soft cheese), Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), and Requeson (Ricotta) products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The cheese was distributed through Feb 16, 2021, and was available in supermarkets, wholesale, and retails stores across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Recalled Soft Cheese:

All Queso Fresco products with sell-by dates through 03/28/21.
All Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese) products with sell-by dates through 04/16/21.
All Requeson (Ricotta) products with sell-by dates through 03/14/21.

Photos of recalled cheese packaging

The cheese products being recalled were produced at Plant #34-12179. Retailers may have repackaged the bulk Quesillo into smaller containers and sold this repackage product to consumers. This repackaged product may not bear the original labeling and product information as described below.

Quesillo
Brand	Product Name	Size	Container Type	UPC Code
El Abuelito Cheese	Quesillo Abuelito	12oz	Vacuum Pack	673130200000
	Quesillo Abuelito	5Lbs	Vacuum Bag Loose Bag	673130500001
	Quesillo Abuelito	10Lbs	Vacuum Bag Loose Bag	673130600008
El Viejito	El Viejito	10Lbs	Vacuum Bag Loose Bag	718122180950
El Paisano	El Paisano	5Lbs	Vacuum Bag	799456415468
El Paisano	El Paisano	10Lbs	Vacuum Bag	799456415482
El Sabrosito	El Sabrosito	10Lbs	Vacuum Bag	749390337586
La Cima	La Cima	5Lbs	Vacuum Bag	072632891653
Quesos Finos	Quesos Finos	5Lbs	Vacuum Bag	851800004145
San Carlos	San Carlos	14Lbs	Loose Bag	814920000039
Ideal	Ideal	5Lbs	Vacuum Bag	610563082674
Ideal	Ideal	10Lbs	Vacuum Bag	897930001951

Requeson/Ricotta
Brand	Product Name	Size	Container Type	UPC Code
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.	El Abuelito Requeson Ricotta	12oz	Clam Shell Container	673130300014
El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.	El Abuelito Requeson Ricotta - Promocion $3.99	12oz.	Clam Shell Container	673130300014
El Viejito	El Viejito Requeson/Ricotta	12oz.	Clam Shell Container	718122180912

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older adults, 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 monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers who have purchased the stated Queso Fresco products are urged not to consume and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.