Public health officials are investigating a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to requesón and soft ricotta cheese products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight individuals across Maryland, New York, and Virginia have been infected with the same strain of the bacteria. As of June 7, 2026, seven of these patients required hospitalization, and one death has been reported in Maryland. The outbreak has prompted a recall of specific soft cheeses produced by Clover Hill Dairy, and the Maryland Department of Health has suspended the facility’s operating license.
Who is most at risk from this Listeria outbreak?
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, poses a severe threat to specific vulnerable populations. The CDC emphasizes that the bacteria is particularly dangerous to pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract to other parts of the body, leading to invasive disease. For pregnant women, the infection can result in pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening illness in newborns. For older adults and those with compromised immunity, the infection frequently necessitates hospital care and can be fatal.
What should you do if you have these products?
If you have purchased requesón or soft ricotta cheese, check your labels against the official recall list. Do not consume any products identified in the recall. Because Listeria is hardy and can survive and multiply in refrigerated environments, simply keeping the cheese cold is not enough to prevent contamination. You should thoroughly clean your refrigerator, any storage containers, and food preparation surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese. If you have eaten the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms typically appear within two weeks of exposure, though they can manifest as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks afterward.
How are officials responding?
The response is a coordinated effort between federal and state agencies. The Maryland Department of Health is currently conducting a follow-up evaluation at the Clover Hill Dairy facility following the suspension of its operating license. Meanwhile, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working to determine if other products are linked to this specific strain. Businesses must stop selling or serving any recalled cheese and must sanitize all surfaces that may have been exposed. If you have questions regarding specific cases in your state, the CDC recommends reaching out directly to your state’s health department.
Safer food choices for vulnerable groups
This outbreak serves as a reminder that soft cheeses carry inherent risks. Even when these products are pasteurized, they can become contaminated during processing or packaging. The CDC advises those at higher risk—including pregnant women and the immunocompromised—to be cautious when selecting dairy products. Choosing hard cheeses or pasteurized products that have been handled in strictly controlled environments can help reduce the risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens. Staying informed through official government health alerts remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your household from ongoing outbreaks.