The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to requeson, a soft cheese similar to ricotta.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 8 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 3 states. Sick people’s samples were collected on dates ranging from March 6, 2023, to May 9, 2026. Of the 7 people interviewed, 5 reported eating any cheese. Two people (29%) reported eating requeson made by Clover Hill Dairy. There have been 7 hospitalizations, and one death reported.
On May 13, 2026, the Suffolk County Health Department (SCHD) notified the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYS AGM) of two related Listeria monocytogenesillnesses from the same family, who had purchased food from a local retailer in Brentwood, NY. The following day, the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) confirmed that both cases had consumed requeson cheese purchased at that retailer. NYS AGM investigators tested five cheese samples collected from the retailer. One sample of requeson that had been repacked by the retailer tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed the strain of Listeriafound in the requeson cheese matches the strain of Listeria causing illnesses in the two New York cases who reported purchasing cheese from this retailer.
On May 27, 2026, NYS AGM conducted an inspection at the retailer’s cheese distributor, which identified Clover Hill Dairy, LLC of Mechanicsville, MD as the requeson cheese manufacturer. A sample collected from an unopened 18-pound sealed bucket of requeson manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy, LLC also tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes; WGS analysis is pending.
On June 3, 2026, Clover Hill Dairy, LLC issued a voluntary recall of its requeson/soft ricotta products. Consumers and retailers should not eat, serve, or sell recalled requeson cheese.
Due to the public health risk, the Maryland Department of Health has suspended the Clover Hill Dairy LLC’s operating license, issued a Consumer Advisory, and is conducting a follow up evaluation in cooperation with the facility.