2021 Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Queso Fresco Made by El Abuelito Cheese Inc.
Posted May 14, 2021
This outbreak is over. Even when there are no ongoing outbreaks, do not eat soft cheeses like queso fresco, unless they are labeled “made with pasteurized milk.” This is especially important for people who are at higher risk for Listeria illness.
Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 13
- Hospitalizations: 12
- Deaths: 1
- States: 4
- Recall: Yes
- Investigation status: Closed
Queso fresco
El Abuelito queso fresco
What You Should Do
- Don’t eat any soft cheeses like queso fresco, unless they are labeled “made with pasteurized milk.” This is especially important if you are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. This is because you are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness.
- Be aware that Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses made with pasteurized milk have caused Listeria outbreaks, including this outbreak. Although pasteurization of milk kills Listeria, soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk can still become contaminated if they are produced in facilities with unsanitary conditions.
See Also
- FDA: Outbreak Investigation of Listeria – Hispanic-Style Fresh and Soft Cheeses
- FDA: El Abuelito Expands Recall to Include Queso Fresco, Quesillo, and Requeson Products
- FDA: El Abuelito Cheese Inc. Recalls Queso Fresco
- FDA: List of Stores that Received El Abuelito Brand Cheeses
- CT: DPH Warns of Contaminated Cheese, Cites Recall of Queso Fresco Varieties
- CT: DPH Issues Warning on El Abuelito Queso Fresco Cheese
- Prevent Getting Sick from Listeria
