From Delish
The Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of Listeria that has affected individuals in several states. Although the investigation is ongoing, the outbreak is believed to be related to “Hispanic-style cheeses”, such as fresh queso.
There is no brand or type of cheese that has been determined as the source, but the investigation is examining queso fresco, queso blanco and queso pan. Seven people were hospitalized with symptoms of Listeria in Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Virginia.
A general rule of thumb for the FDA is to make sure that your fresh, soft cheeses, like fresh cheese, are made with pasteurized milk and appear on the label and packaging. Pasteurization of milk usually kills the Listeria bacteria, although if there are unsanitary conditions in a pasteurized dairy plant they can still be contaminated.
Listeria is a bacterium that causes adverse health effects, such as nausea, fatigue, body aches, headache and fever. The communities most at risk of damage from Listeria bacteria are those 65 years of age or older and people who are pregnant. The FDA is advising individuals in any of these groups not to consume fresh, soft Hispanic-style cheeses while continuing to identify the exact product and brand responsible for the multi-state outbreak.
The last recorded disease was on January 22 and Maryland recorded the highest number of hospitalizations related to the outbreak, with four of the seven registered people residing in the state. The FDA will continue to provide updated related information on its website.
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