"Our utmost concern at Sargento is the safety and quality of our products," emphasized Portia Young, the director of corporate PR.
Following concerns about potential listeria contamination, Sargento Foods Inc. has initiated a recall for shredded and grated cheese, as part of a broader recall by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc.
based in California. This recall also affects various other cheese brands.
Trader Joe’s and Albertson’s are among the retailers recalling products manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. of Modesto, California, following the announcement by federal health officials on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
The recall includes different types of cheese like quesadillas, tacos, Italian blends, cheddar, and more, with use-by dates from February 5 to July of this year. These products were sold in 15 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Listeria bacteria can be particularly harmful to individuals with weakened immune systems, including seniors and pregnant women.
Symptoms may include fever, flu-like symptoms, headaches, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Each year, an estimated 1,600 people contract listeria, resulting in about 260 deaths.
Sargento stresses that none of its branded products sold in traditional grocery stores are affected by the recall. Only products supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. were affected, and the impact was limited.
The company has taken the proactive step of recalling the products supplied by Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. and those packaged on the same production lines.
Sargento has terminated its relationship with Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. and promptly notified its customers.
Portia Young reaffirms Sargento's commitment to safety and quality, stating, "As a family-owned company, the safety and quality of our products are our highest priority."
Consumers in the affected states are advised by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to either discard or return the recalled cheese products.