Clover Hill Dairy LLC has issued a major expanded recall covering all of its branded cheese products following confirmed risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne pathogen associated with severe and sometimes fatal infections.

The recall escalation comes after epidemiological investigations linked multiple illnesses to Clover Hill Dairy soft cheese products, prompting authorities to classify the situation as a serious public health event.

Recall Scope and Expansion

Initially limited in scope, the recall has now been expanded to include all Clover Hill Dairy cheese products currently in commerce, regardless of variety, packaging type, or size.

Cheese categories included in the recall:

• Soft cheeses (Cuajada in brine, vacuum-sealed Cuajada, Soft Cuajada Crumbs)
• Ricotta cheese in multiple bulk and retail formats
• Hard and semi-hard cheeses:
  • Cheddar (white, yellow, sharp, smoked varieties)
  • Monterey Jack
  • Colby and Marble Jack
• Flavored cheese varieties:
  • Horseradish Cheddar
  • Old Bay Cheddar
  • Jalapeño and Habanero Pepper Jack varieties
• Snack formats:
  • Cheese sticks
  • Assorted snack packs and 3-in-a-pack varieties

The recall applies to products packaged in consumer retail sizes as well as bulk foodservice containers, ranging from small snack packs to large 40-lb industrial packaging.

Reason for Recall

The recall was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of surviving in refrigerated environments and posing a high risk in ready-to-eat dairy products.

Health risks associated with Listeria infection include:

• High fever and severe headache
• Muscle stiffness and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea)
• Severe complications in vulnerable populations:
  • Pregnant individuals (miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal infection)
  • Elderly individuals
  • Immunocompromised consumers

Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Listeria can grow even at refrigeration temperatures, making contaminated dairy products particularly high risk.

Distribution and Market Reach

The affected products were distributed through retail stores, farmers markets, and third-party distributors.

Geographic distribution includes Virginia, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

Additionally, some products may have been relabeled under different brand names, including KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, and RIO LINDO.

Consumers are advised to carefully check packaging for the manufacturer identification code “24-128,” which identifies Clover Hill Dairy LLC as the producing facility.anufacturer identification code “24-128”, which identifies Clover Hill Dairy as the producing facility.

Public Health Impact

As of the latest update provided by the company and regulatory authorities:

• 9 confirmed illnesses
• 8 hospitalizations
• 1 death associated with soft cheese consumption

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of contamination and whether additional cases may be linked.

Consumer Guidance

Authorities strongly advise consumers to:

• Do not consume any Clover Hill Dairy cheese products
• Check refrigerators, freezers, and retail purchases for affected items
• Dispose of products safely or return them to the point of purchase for a refund
• Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come in contact with recalled products

Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with Listeria infection are urged to seek immediate medical attention, particularly high-risk groups.

Company Response

The company has expressed regret over the incident, stating that it is:

• Cooperating with regulatory authorities
• Investigating the source of contamination
• Reviewing manufacturing and sanitation controls
• Working to prevent recurrence of similar issues

A dedicated consumer helpline has been established for inquiries and refund processing.

Public Health Significance

This recall represents a high-severity food safety incident due to the wide product range affected, multi-state distribution, confirmed hospitalizations and mortality, and the elevated risk associated with ready-to-eat dairy products.

Listeria outbreaks in dairy supply chains are particularly concerning because the pathogen can persist in processing environments and may contaminate multiple product batches over an extended period of time.