Multistate Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese Prompts FDA Warnings and Recalls
In June 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a joint investigation into a deadly, multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to contaminated soft cheese. The outbreak, which has been traced back to Clover Hill Dairy requeson cheese (a soft cheese similar to ricotta), has resulted in at least eight hospitalizations and one death across multiple states.
Details of the Outbreak and Federal Action
Public health officials issued an urgent "Do Not Eat" warning for the affected soft cheese products. Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient foodborne pathogen that can survive and multiply in refrigerated environments, posing a particularly high risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death to pregnant individuals, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA and CDC are working with state and local partners to:
- Trace the distribution of the contaminated requeson cheese products.
- Ensure Clover Hill Dairy and distributors execute comprehensive product recalls.
- Conduct environmental testing at manufacturing facilities to identify the source of the contamination.
Consumers have been advised to clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese to prevent cross-contamination.
"CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to soft cheese." — CDC Investigation Update
"The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to requeson, a soft cheese similar to ricotta..." — FDA Outbreak Investigation