Clover Hill Dairy LLC of Mechanicsville, Maryland, has recalled all of its Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese products after eight people were infected with Listeria monocytogenes in a multistate outbreak linked to the cheese — one of whom has died. The recall was announced early June 2026. Clover Hill Dairy has ceased all production and distribution, and Maryland health authorities have suspended the company’s operating license. Seven have been hospitalized and one Maryland resident has died.
What’s Being Recalled?
All Clover Hill Dairy Soft Ricotta/Requeson cheese is recalled, including jalapeño varieties. The cheese was distributed from May 4 through May 30, 2026, in Maryland, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., through bulk distributors, retail stores, farmers markets, and directly to consumers. The cheese was sold in 10-, 12-, and 14-ounce clamshell containers and in bulk 2-gallon and 5-gallon buckets. Some bulk cheese was repackaged by distributors under other brand names — look for manufacturer permit number “24-128” on the label to identify recalled product. Known repackaged brands include KESSO, QUESOS LA RICURA, IZALCO, DE MI PUEBLO, and RIO LINDO.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
FDA and state investigators confirmed Listeria monocytogenes in a sealed, unopened bucket of Clover Hill Dairy requeson, and whole genome sequencing matched the strain to the outbreak strain. Illness onset dates span March 2023 through May 2026 — a nearly three-year window suggesting Listeria may have been persistent in the facility. All eight required hospitalization and one has died. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, people over 65, and immunocompromised individuals. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and life-threatening newborn infections.
What Should You Do?
Check your refrigerator for any Clover Hill Dairy Soft Ricotta or Requeson cheese, or any soft ricotta cheese bearing manufacturer permit number “24-128.” Do not eat it. Throw it away in a secure trash container, then thoroughly clean your refrigerator and all surfaces the cheese may have touched using a mild bleach solution. Return the original packaging to the store for a full refund. Monitor for symptoms — fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea — for up to 70 days after potential exposure, as Listeria can take that long to cause illness. If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission at 240-528-8850, ext. 327.
