Aqueso cheese product is undergoing a recall due to contamination with a potentially harmful bacterium, as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Florida-based Tama Corporation is recalling 24-ounce containers of the cheese product ‘Queso de Mano PAISA’ after it was found to contain the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. This contamination was identified through laboratory analysis following notification from the company’s co-packing entity.

The affected product, identified by lot number 2420104 and a best by date of May 16, 2024, was solely distributed to Rancho Market stores in Utah. As of the recall announcement on April 26, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

In a statement included in the recall notice, Tama Corporation emphasized their commitment to consumer safety, stating, ‘At Tama Corporation, we uphold stringent quality controls from our product suppliers.’ Upon detection of the contamination, the company promptly contacted the relevant supermarket chain to cease product sales and track all items from that batch.

The company further assured consumers, clients, and distributors that they have taken necessary measures in collaboration with the product manufacturer, the FDA, and the USDA to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare but potentially lethal bacterium that can lead to listeriosis in humans. The FDA notes that this bacterium can thrive in moist environments such as soil, water, decaying organic matter, and animals, and can even survive under refrigerated conditions.

Listeriosis poses a significant risk of severe illness in vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Additionally, this illness has been associated with miscarriages and other serious health complications.