FDA closes Listeria investigation involving cheese sold in North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A multistate Listeria outbreak linked to soft cheese has ended, according to federal health officials, but consumers are still being urged to check refrigerators and freezers for recalled products that were distributed in North Carolina and several other states.

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated 15 illnesses in four states linked to requeson, a soft cheese similar to ricotta, manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy in Maryland.

Fourteen people were hospitalized and one person died. Illnesses were reported between March 6, 2023, and July 8, 2026.

No illnesses were reported in North Carolina, but recalled Clover Hill Dairy products were distributed in North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Federal officials said recalled cheese should no longer be available for sale and most products are past their expiration dates. However, consumers who may have frozen the products are being advised to check their freezers and throw away any recalled cheese.

The recall included all Clover Hill Dairy cheese products, including varieties of requeson, cuajada and hard cheeses. Some products may have been sold under different brand names, including KESSO, Quesos La Ricura, Izalco, De Mi Pueblo and Rio Lindo.

The FDA also said certain requeson products marketed under the La Colonia and Selectos Latinos brands were recalled in June because of possible Listeria contamination. Those products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Listeria can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Pregnant people, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness. Infection during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of a newborn.

Health officials recommend cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with recalled cheese. Anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis should contact a health care provider.

The FDA said its investigation is complete and the CDC has declared the outbreak over.