FDA Issues High-Priority Alert for Listeria in Hispanic-Style Fresh Cheeses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I health alert regarding the contamination of Hispanic-style fresh cheeses with Listeria monocytogenes. This alert is specifically targeted at consumers and the dairy supply chain near the border, highlighting the critical need for strict hygiene and quality control measures in cheese production.

The alert comes after a recent outbreak resulted in 26 cases of listeriosis across 11 U.S. states, leading to 23 hospitalizations and 2 confirmed deaths. These statistics underscore the serious health risk posed by Listeria, particularly to high-risk groups such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

FDA experts emphasize the importance of pasteurization in eliminating Listeria from raw milk; however, they also note that soft cheeses can become contaminated post-pasteurization due to failures in plant environments or during packaging and distribution. As a result, the FDA is urging cheese producers to reinforce biosecurity protocols and for veterinary authorities to intensify inspections.

The FDA advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing fresh cheeses, especially those made from unpasteurized milk or artisanal products with poor hygiene controls. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and nausea, and severe cases may involve neck stiffness and confusion, requiring immediate medical attention.