In early June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Clover Hill Dairy’s soft ricotta cheese due to listeria contamination concerns—concerns raised by the Maryland Department of Health. At the time, eight potentially related hospitalizations had been reported. Now, the recall is expanding to include all Clover Hill cheeses currently on the market, including some sold under different brand names.
A new release from the FDA, published on June 18, details the recall of over 15 additional varieties of Clover Hill Dairy cheese. At the time of publication, there have been reports of nine related illnesses, eight related hospitalizations, and one potentially related death. The FDA’s investigation of the outbreak is ongoing.
Below, learn how to identify products included in the recall, and all about the potential effects of listeria infection.
How to identify recalled cheese
According to the FDA, affected Clover Hill Dairy products were sold directly from the farm’s retail market, at farmers’ markets, and through third-party distributors in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. However, distributed products may be relabeled under a different brand name, including but not limited to KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, and RIO LINDO.
If you’re unsure about the source of your cheese at home, the FDA recommends checking the manufacturer information on the packaging, if possible. Clover Hill Dairy products sold in clamshell containers, specifically, should feature the manufacturer permit number 24-128.
Below are the specific varieties and sizes of cheeses impacted by the recall. This recall is not limited by expiration date; all Clover Hill Dairy cheeses currently on the market are affected. Many of them are distributed in bulk to customers in the retail or food industries—so if you work in those industries or know someone who does, spread the word.
Soft Cuajada in Brine
- 5-gallon bucket
- 2-gallon bucket
Soft Cuajada (vacuum sealed)
- 5-lb bag
- 2.5-lb clamshell
- 14-oz clamshell
Cuajada (vacuum sealed)
Ricotta
- 5-gallon bucket
- 2-gallon bucket
- 2.5-lb tub
- 1-lb clamshell
Soft Cuajada Crumbs
Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Colby, Monterey Jack, Marble Jack (Mild)
- 0.5-lb block
- 1-lb block
- 2.5-lb block
- 5-lb block
- 40-lb block
Snack Pack Assorted Regular Mild Stix (White Colby, Marble Jack, and Yummy Cheddar)
- Approximately 6.4-oz pieces
3-in-a-Pack Assorted (White Colby, Marble Jack, Yummy Cheddar)
- Approximately 3.2-oz pieces
Fresh Cheddar Curd (Mild)
Cheddar, Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack (Sharp)
- 0.5-lb block
- 1-lb block
- 2.5-lb block
- 5-lb block
Sharp Cheese Snack Pack Sharp Stix (White or Yellow)
- Approximately 6.4-oz pieces
Horseradish Flavored Cheese
- 0.5-lb block
- 1-lb block
- 2.5-lb block
- 5-lb block
- 40-lb block
Old Bay Cheddar Flavored Cheese
- 0.5-lb block
- 1-lb block
- 2.5-lb block
- 5-lb block
- 40-lb block
Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sizzlin Colby with Habanero Peppers
- 0.5-lb block
- 1-lb block
- 2.5-lb block
- 5-lb block
- 40-lb block
Snack Pack Assorted Pepper Jack Stix (Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepper Jack)
- Approximately 6.4-oz pieces
3-in-a-Pack Assorted (Jalapeño Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sizzlin Colby)
- Approximately 3.2-oz pieces
Smoked Cheddar, Smoked White Cheddar
Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar
About listeria contamination
Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA. In healthy individuals, infection may cause short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, but pregnant people are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths.
If you experience any of the above symptoms after eating potentially recalled cheese, see a doctor as soon as possible.
What to do with recalled cheese
Customers should not eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheese. Instead, return it to its place of purchase for a full refund, per the FDA.
If you have any questions about the recall, you can contact Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy at 240-528-8850, extension 327, during standard business hours.
Clover Hill Dairy’s board and staff members have apologized to customers for the inconvenience and hardships. “We sincerely hope to correct this problem as soon as it is safely possible,” they said. “Thank you for your understanding, we look forward to serving our valued customers again in the near future.”
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