Clover Hill Dairy Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese Recall Due to Multistate Listeria Outbreak

Recalled Clover Hill Dairy Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese Linked to Multistate Listeria Outbreak

The Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta/requeson cheese has been recalled due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, linked to a multistate outbreak causing illness and one death. The recall covers all requeson cheese manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy, including flavored varieties, and products possibly relabeled under different brands. The outbreak involves multiple states, and health authorities continue investigations as more illnesses are reported.

Ingress

A voluntary recall of Clover Hill Dairy’s soft ricotta/requeson cheese was issued after tests confirmed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak has resulted in at least 12 confirmed illnesses, including 10 hospitalizations and one death, across four states as of late June 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health departments are actively investigating the source and spread of the infection. Consumers and retailers are advised not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheese.

Key Points

• Clover Hill Dairy recalled all requeson/soft ricotta products after Listeria was detected during outbreak investigations.
• The outbreak has caused 12 reported illnesses in Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Illinois, with 10 hospitalizations and one death.
• The Maryland Department of Health suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license due to public health risks.
• Additional cheeses made by other companies, including several Mexican varieties, were added to the recall after investigations expanded.
• Health officials advise consumers to discard recalled products and thoroughly clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

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Details of the Recall and Investigation

The Clover Hill Dairy recall encompasses all requeson cheese products manufactured by the facility in Mechanicsville, Maryland. These include plain and flavored varieties such as jalapeño. Some products distributed under other brand names may also be affected; consumers should check for the manufacturer permit number “24-128” on packaging. The recall follows positive detection of Listeria monocytogenes in cheese samples collected as part of a multi-year outbreak investigation.

Authorities first detected the outbreak strain of Listeria linked to Clover Hill Dairy cheese samples collected between March 6, 2023, and May 9, 2026. The multi-state investigation involves collaboration between CDC, FDA, and state partners, with the FDA's traceback efforts ongoing. Whole genome sequencing has confirmed that isolates from patients match those found in the contaminated cheese.

Outbreak Statistics and Affected States

As of June 26, 2026, there have been 12 confirmed cases of listeriosis across Maryland (3), New York (5), Virginia (3), and Illinois (1), with 10 individuals hospitalized and one fatality in Maryland. Symptoms of listeriosis generally appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food but can range from the same day up to 10 weeks later. Severity varies; higher-risk groups include pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those aged 65 or older.

Expansion of the Recall

Following the initial recall of Clover Hill Dairy products, additional Mexican-style cheeses manufactured by La Ceiba Foods Latin Market Inc., sold between May 11 and June 1, 2026, in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, were also recalled. These include La Colonia-brand Salvadoreno Requeson and Selectos Latinos-brand Requeson Salvadoreno and Requeson Mexicano.

The Clover Hill Dairy recall was further expanded to include a wide range of soft cheeses such as soft Cuajada, ricotta, various mild and sharp cheddar varieties, pepper jack, smoked cheddar, and flavored cheeses. These products were sold directly from Clover Hill’s retail market, at farmers markets, and through third-party distributors across multiple states.

Health Risks and Recommendations

Listeria monocytogenes infection, or listeriosis, can cause severe and fatal illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Symptoms range from mild fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea to severe neurological complications such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions. In pregnant women, infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

Health authorities strongly recommend consumers to:

• Avoid eating, selling, or serving any recalled Clover Hill Dairy cheese products.
• Dispose of any recalled cheese, especially if packaging is missing or uncertain.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize refrigerators, surfaces, and utensils that may have contacted the recalled cheese, using warm soapy water followed by a bleach solution.
• Contact a healthcare provider immediately if experiencing symptoms consistent with listeriosis, especially those in high-risk groups.

Regulatory Actions and Ongoing Investigations

The Maryland Department of Health has suspended Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license due to the public health hazard. A follow-up evaluation is underway in cooperation with the facility to ensure compliance and safety.

Both FDA and CDC continue to investigate whether additional products and manufacturers may be linked to this outbreak. The full extent of distribution is not yet confirmed but includes Maryland, New York, Virginia, and may extend to other states. Public health officials employ whole genome sequencing and epidemiological interviews to trace sources and prevent further infections.

Conclusion

The recall of Clover Hill Dairy’s soft ricotta/requeson cheese is part of a multi-state listeria outbreak that has already caused significant illness and a fatality. Consumers and retailers must heed warnings, avoid recalled products, and maintain rigorous sanitation practices. Ongoing investigations aim to identify further risks and prevent additional cases.