FDA recall alert: Requeson cheese linked to Listeria — what to toss, what to check, and who should be extra cautious
If you bought requeson cheese recently, check it now: Nelson & Isa Lacteos LLC has recalled the product because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the FDA. Do not eat it. If you have it at home, throw it away or return it to the store.
The recalled cheese is the Nelson & Isa Lacteos/Clover Hill Dairy requeson product named in the FDA notice. The agency says it was distributed in multiple states, so this is not a one-store problem. If you shop for Mexican-style cheeses or keep a stocked fridge for family meals, this is worth a quick check even if the package was tucked into a deli drawer or freezer bag.
What to look for
Use the exact product details in the FDA recall notice to match what is in your kitchen. Check the brand name, company name, package label, and any lot, date, or other identifying information listed by the agency. If you are not sure whether your package matches, do not taste it to find out. When in doubt, treat it as recalled and discard it.
The FDA’s outbreak advisory adds important context: the recall is tied to a broader investigation involving Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheese. If the advisory is updated, the agency will post that information there. At this time, follow the recall notice itself for the product action and the outbreak page for public-health updates.
What to do right now
- Do not eat the recalled cheese.
- Throw it away in a sealed bag or return it to the store if the retailer is offering returns.
- Wash your hands after handling the package or any wrapped leftovers.
- Clean the refrigerator shelf, drawer, bin, or container where it was stored.
- Sanitize any knife, cutting board, plate, or storage container that touched the cheese.
If the cheese was in your freezer, remove it and clean the area there too. Listeria can survive in cold conditions, so freezing does not make a recalled product safe. If any juices or crumbs may have leaked onto nearby foods, wipe those items down or discard them if they cannot be cleaned safely.
Why some households should be extra careful
Listeria can be especially serious for pregnant people, older adults, newborns, and anyone with a weakened immune system. That does not mean every exposure leads to illness, but it does mean these households should act quickly if the recalled cheese is in the fridge or freezer. If someone in your home has symptoms after possible exposure, contact a healthcare professional for advice.
For most home cooks, the best next step is simple: check the label, remove the cheese, clean the storage area, and move on. Recalled dairy can hide behind leftovers and meal-prep containers, so a fast fridge sweep is worth the few minutes it takes. Keep an eye on the FDA recall page in case the notice is expanded or updated.
