Sargento, a major food-maker, has issued a recall of shredded and grated cheese products in 15 states due to potential listeria contamination. The affected products were sold to food service groups and were linked to a supplier, Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc., based in California.
It’s important to note that Sargento-branded products sold in traditional grocery stores are not impacted by the recall. The company emphasized that the recall only affects a limited amount of its food service and ingredients products.
The recall was implemented as a precautionary measure after concerns were raised about the products supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. and those packaged on the same production lines. Sargento took immediate action by terminating its relationship with the supplier and informing its customers about the recall.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the broader recall initiated by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. has led to 26 reported illnesses, including two deaths and 23 hospitalizations as of February 22. The specific Sargento recall encompasses various cheeses distributed in 15 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The recall predominantly affects white cheddar cheese products, with 2,633 cases being recalled. These products have best-by dates between March and June 2024. The recall was initiated on February 5.
