Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese: What You Need to Know About the Clover Hill Dairy Recall

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese Triggers Multi-State Recalls

A serious and deadly Listeria outbreak has prompted an urgent recall of soft ricotta and requeson cheese products manufactured by a Maryland-based dairy company. If you or someone in your household has recently purchased soft cheese, particularly requeson or ricotta varieties, this is critical information you need to read right now. Federal health authorities are actively investigating the outbreak, and consumers across multiple states have already been impacted.

What Is the Listeria Outbreak and Who Is Behind the Recall?

Clover Hill Dairy, based in Mechanicsville, Maryland, has issued a full recall of its soft ricotta/requeson cheese products after being notified of contamination by the Maryland Department of Health. The recall announcement comes as both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are jointly investigating what they have described as a "multi-year outbreak" of Listeria monocytogenes with potential links to requeson cheese.

According to the CDC, the outbreak spans a troubling timeline. Between March 6, 2023, and May 9, 2026, nine people have been confirmed infected with the specific strain of Listeria linked to Clover Hill Dairy's cheese products. Of those nine individuals, eight required hospitalization due to the severity of their illness. Tragically, one person has died as a result of this outbreak, making this a matter of urgent public health concern.

Which States Have Been Affected?

A map published by the CDC identifies cases in three states: New York, Maryland, and Virginia. However, federal health officials have emphasized that Clover Hill Dairy's products were distributed and sold in additional states beyond those three. This means the risk of exposure is not limited to the states where confirmed illnesses have been reported. Consumers in any state who may have purchased requeson or soft ricotta cheese should take immediate precautions, regardless of whether their state appears on the CDC's current illness map.

The broad distribution of these products underscores why federal agencies are treating this as a significant public health emergency. Even if no illnesses have been officially reported in your area, the contaminated cheese may still be present in homes, refrigerators, and retail stores across the country.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

According to the official recall notice posted by the FDA, Clover Hill Dairy has recalled soft ricotta/requeson cheese products sold in multiple sizes, including individual clamshell packaging formats. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and pantries for any Clover Hill Dairy brand cheese products and to avoid consuming them entirely.

If you have purchased any of the following, you should not eat the product and should follow the FDA's guidance for disposal or return:

• Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta cheese in any size or package format
• Clover Hill Dairy requeson cheese in any size or package format
• Any soft ricotta or requeson cheese purchased from retailers known to carry Clover Hill Dairy products

The FDA's recall notice strongly advises consumers to discard these products immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Do not attempt to taste the cheese to determine whether it is safe — Listeria contamination is invisible and odorless, and there is no way to detect it without laboratory testing.

What Is Listeria and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria is particularly alarming because it can survive and even grow in refrigerated environments, making contaminated foods hazardous even when properly stored at cold temperatures.

Listeriosis most commonly causes fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, in severe cases — particularly in vulnerable populations — it can spread beyond the digestive tract and cause life-threatening illness. The groups most at risk include:

• Pregnant women and their unborn babies
• Adults aged 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS
• Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease

For pregnant women especially, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Symptoms typically appear within one to four weeks of eating contaminated food, which can make it difficult to identify the source of illness without professional investigation.

What Should You Do If You've Already Eaten the Recalled Cheese?

If you believe you have recently consumed Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta or requeson cheese, monitor your health closely for any symptoms of listeriosis, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. If you belong to a high-risk group — such as being pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised — contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel well. Early medical intervention can significantly reduce the severity of a Listeria infection.

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking medical attention. Inform your doctor that you may have been exposed to a recalled product linked to an active Listeria outbreak so they can assess your situation appropriately and order any necessary tests.

How to Stay Safe Going Forward

Beyond this specific recall, this outbreak serves as an important reminder to practice safe food handling at all times. Always check the FDA's recall database and the CDC's foodborne illness outbreak pages for the latest alerts. Soft cheeses — including ricotta, requeson, queso fresco, brie, and camembert — carry a higher risk of Listeria contamination than hard cheeses and should be consumed with extra caution, particularly by high-risk individuals.

Proper refrigerator hygiene also matters. If a recalled product was stored in your refrigerator, clean the appliance thoroughly with warm, soapy water, including shelves and drawers. Listeria can contaminate surfaces and other foods through indirect contact.

Stay Informed and Act Quickly

The Clover Hill Dairy recall and the multi-year Listeria outbreak it is connected to represent a serious and evolving public health situation. With nine confirmed illnesses, eight hospitalizations, and one confirmed death already recorded, the stakes are undeniably high. Federal agencies continue to investigate the full scope of the outbreak, and additional information — including a more complete list of affected products and retail locations — is expected to be released through the FDA and CDC in the coming days.

Check the official FDA recall notice and the CDC's outbreak investigation page regularly for updates. If you have questions about food safety or believe you may be ill, contact your local health department or a medical professional without delay. Your health and the health of your family depend on acting swiftly and staying informed.