Marler Clark Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Rizo Lopez Foods Cheese
Source: The DairyNews
Marler Clark, Inc., PS, known as The Food Safety Law Firm, has launched an investigation into the recent Listeria outbreak associated with Rizo Lopez Foods cheese. The outbreak has affected 26 people across 11 states, resulting in deaths in California and Texas.
The firm, specializing in food safety, previously represented families affected by a Listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe in 2011 and was featured in the Netflix documentary "Poisoned" in 2023.
Listeria monocytogenes is a serious public health concern, causing an estimated 255 deaths annually in the U.S., with a case fatality rate ranging from 15-30%. Attorney William Marler emphasized the need for companies producing high-risk foods to enhance measures to eliminate the risk of Listeria contamination.
The CDC and FDA reported that the Listeria outbreak is linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. of Modesto, California. The outbreak spans multiple years, with cases dating back to 2014, and is ongoing. The investigation was reopened in January 2024, following new illnesses reported in December 2023. The recall of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese was initiated in response to a positive Listeria finding, and an environmental sample from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. also tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
In response to the investigation, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has issued a recall for all sell-by dates of its dairy products, including various cheese, yogurt, and sour cream brands. The firm has temporarily halted the production and distribution of these products.
Bill Marler has been a prominent advocate for food safety since the 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak, and Marler Clark continues to play a crucial role in promoting a safer food supply both in the United States and globally.
Listeria monocytogenes is a serious public health concern, causing an estimated 255 deaths annually in the U.S., with a case fatality rate ranging from 15-30%. Attorney William Marler emphasized the need for companies producing high-risk foods to enhance measures to eliminate the risk of Listeria contamination.
The CDC and FDA reported that the Listeria outbreak is linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. of Modesto, California. The outbreak spans multiple years, with cases dating back to 2014, and is ongoing. The investigation was reopened in January 2024, following new illnesses reported in December 2023. The recall of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese was initiated in response to a positive Listeria finding, and an environmental sample from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. also tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
In response to the investigation, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has issued a recall for all sell-by dates of its dairy products, including various cheese, yogurt, and sour cream brands. The firm has temporarily halted the production and distribution of these products.
Bill Marler has been a prominent advocate for food safety since the 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak, and Marler Clark continues to play a crucial role in promoting a safer food supply both in the United States and globally.
