The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to queso fresco cheeses made by El Abuelito Cheese, Inc.
As part of this outbreak investigation, the Connecticut Department of Public Health collected product samples of El Abuelito-brand Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses from a store where a sick person bought cheeses. Sample analysis showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of El Abuelito Queso Fresco sold in 10 oz packages, marked as Lot A027 with an expiration date of 02/26/2021. On 2/19/2021, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis conducted by the Connecticut State Laboratory determined that the Listeria monocytogenes found in the samples is a match to the outbreak strain.
On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. of Paterson, NJ recalled all Queso Fresco products with “sell by” dates through 03/28/21. Products include El Abuelito, Rio Grande, and Rio Lindo brand queso frescos, distributed to CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, and VA. A full list of recalled products is included below. At this time, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. has ceased production and distribution of all products.
Recommendation
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled queso fresco cheeses.
FDA recommends that anyone who purchased or received recalled products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.
Product Images
Recall Information
On 2/19/2021, El Abuelito Cheese of Paterson, NJ recalled all Queso Fresco products within expiration. Products include:
Brand |
Product Name |
Size |
Container Type |
UPC Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Regular |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100003 |
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Promoción |
10 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100078 |
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco de Hoja |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100065 |
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco |
5 Lb. |
Vaccuum Packed |
673130100058 |
El Abuelito Cheese |
Queso Fresco Guatemala |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
673130100027 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Chirilagua Queso de Hacienda |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529005571 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Campestre con Hoja |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
812324031161 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Campestre Artesanal |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529002518 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco con Hoja |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529004581 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Yorito |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529005564 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Queso Fresco Olancho |
14 oz. |
Plastic Container |
812324031222 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Guatemalteca |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001276 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Hondureña |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001269 |
Rio Grande Food Products, Inc. |
Cuajada Fresca Salvadoreña |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
738529001252 |
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Mexicano |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088587 |
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Hondureño |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088591 |
Rio Lindo |
Queso Fresco Salvadoreño |
12 oz. |
Plastic Container |
718122088607 |
U.S. Distribution of Recalled El Abuelito Queso Fresco
Product Distribution*: CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA
*States with confirmed distribution; product could have been distributed further
Case Count Map Provided by CDC
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 7
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Date: 1/22/2021
States with Cases: MD (4), CT (1), NY (1), and VA (1)