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California Dairy Ordered to Cease Production Amid Listeria Outbreak Linked to Fatalities

USA 11.10.2024
Source: DairyNews.today
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Rizo Lopez Foods, a Central California dairy producer, has been ordered to halt the manufacturing and distribution of multiple products following a listeria outbreak linked to two deaths and numerous hospitalizations. A civil complaint filed in federal court on September 27 alleges that the company’s Modesto facility violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by operating under unsanitary conditions.
California Dairy Ordered to Cease Production Amid Listeria Outbreak Linked to Fatalities
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection uncovered listeria monocytogenes, the pathogen responsible for listeriosis, in two locations at the facility. This pathogen was genetically linked to listeria samples from patients affected as early as 2014, indicating a years-long outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 26 cases in 11 states, with 23 hospitalizations and two fatalities.

Rizo Lopez Foods produces a range of dairy products, including cotija cheese, yogurt, and sour cream, marketed under brands such as Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, and others. These products were sold at major retailers, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, and Bristol Farms, which have since recalled the contaminated items.

“This outbreak highlights the critical responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure product safety,” said Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General. He emphasized that the Justice Department and FDA are committed to taking enforcement actions against companies failing to meet safety standards.

Under the agreement with federal authorities, Rizo Lopez Foods must notify the FDA before resuming production, allowing for a comprehensive inspection of its facilities, equipment, and records. The company’s cooperation will be essential to ensuring compliance with sanitation standards before it can re-enter the market.

This case underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols within the food industry, particularly for dairy products susceptible to contamination. As federal agencies continue to prioritize consumer safety, manufacturers face increased scrutiny to maintain sanitary operations and protect public health.

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