CDC Alert: Deadly Listeria Outbreak Tied To Requesón & Soft Ricotta Cheese

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to requesón and soft ricotta cheeses, with at least 12 cases reported across 8 states since May 1, 2026. The agency’s investigation, announced June 5, identified the cheeses as the likely source after genetic fingerprinting matched samples from patients to products distributed by a California-based dairy producer. The CDC warns that pregnant women, newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness, including hospitalization or death.

As of June 5, the CDC has recorded 12 confirmed cases of listeriosis—five of which required hospitalization—with no deaths reported. The affected states include California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona. The agency’s outbreak notice states that the cheeses were sold under multiple brand names in retail stores, delis, and through online platforms, though the specific brands have not been publicly named pending further investigation.

The CDC’s warning follows a pattern seen in past outbreaks, such as the 2017 Listeria crisis linked to soft cheeses, which sickened 16 people and led to recalls of products from multiple manufacturers. In that case, the FDA traced the contamination to a single processing facility. This time, the agency is working with state health departments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the dairy producer to determine the scope of distribution and whether additional products may be affected.

Listeriosis typically causes fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks after exposure, though pregnant women may experience only mild flu-like symptoms before the infection leads to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. The CDC advises consumers who purchased the implicated cheeses to discard them immediately, even if partially used, and to clean containers and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product. The agency also recommends refrigerating soft cheeses at or below 40°F (4°C) and avoiding them if they have been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

Unlike many foodborne illnesses, listeriosis can develop up to 70 days after exposure, making it critical for people who consumed the cheeses in the past two months to remain vigilant for symptoms. The CDC’s outbreak page includes a patient interview form for those who believe they may have been affected, though it notes that not all cases are reported due to underdiagnosis, particularly in mild presentations.

Public health officials emphasize that while the outbreak is currently limited, the risk of further spread remains until the source of contamination is identified and addressed. The FDA has not yet issued a formal recall, but the CDC’s advisory serves as a precautionary measure. In a statement, the agency’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases noted that “this is an evolving situation, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

For consumers seeking guidance, the CDC recommends checking food labels for the specific brands and varieties under investigation. The agency also advises that individuals with weakened immune systems or other high-risk groups avoid consuming soft cheeses unless they are made with pasteurized milk and labeled as safe for these populations. Health officials urge anyone with concerns about potential exposure to contact their healthcare provider.

This is not the first time soft cheeses have been tied to Listeria outbreaks. In 2015, a separate incident linked to Mexican-style cheeses resulted in 14 cases across 11 states. Those outbreaks highlighted the challenges of preventing contamination in artisanal or small-batch dairy products, where traditional pasteurization methods may not be uniformly applied. The current investigation is focusing on whether the contamination occurred during production, processing, or distribution.

The CDC’s rapid response in this case reflects lessons learned from past outbreaks, including improved genetic sequencing capabilities that allow for faster traceback of contaminated products. However, experts caution that without a named recall or confirmed list of affected products, consumers may unknowingly purchase contaminated items. The agency’s advice to discard any suspect cheeses underscores the seriousness of the situation, even as investigators work to contain the threat.

As the investigation continues, the CDC is urging retailers, restaurants, and food service operators to remove the implicated cheeses from shelves and not serve them to customers. The agency has also posted interview questions for retailers to help trace the distribution chain. Meanwhile, the FDA is reviewing the dairy producer’s facility records to assess compliance with food safety regulations, including proper pasteurization and handling procedures.

For those who have already consumed the cheeses, the CDC advises monitoring for symptoms, which can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions in severe cases. Pregnant women experiencing fever or other flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, as listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.

This outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with raw or underprocessed dairy products. While pasteurized cheeses carry a far lower risk of Listeria, soft varieties—particularly those aged or produced in small batches—remain vulnerable to contamination. Public health authorities continue to stress the importance of food safety practices, from proper storage to thorough cooking, as critical tools in preventing foodborne illnesses.