--- title: Marler Clark launches investigation into deadly Listeria cheese outbreak date: 2024-02-06T16:45:00-08:00 author: Julie Dueck canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/marler-clark-launches-investigation-into-deadly-listeria-cheese-outbreak" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Press Releases](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/press-releases) / # Marler Clark launches investigation into deadly Listeria cheese outbreak SEATTLE, Wash. — Marler Clark, Inc., PS, The Food Safety Law Firm, is investigating the Rizo Lopez Foods cheese Listeria outbreak that has sickened 26 people in 11 states, including deaths in California and Texas. In 2011, Marler Clark represented the families of 33 people who died after consuming [Listeria-tainted cantaloupe](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/listeria). In 2023, Marler Clark was profiled in the [Netflix documentary “Poisoned.”](https://www.netflix.com/title/81460481)[](https://www.netflix.com/title/81460481) “In the U.S., there are an estimated 255 deaths due to Listeria monocytogenes every year, and a case fatality rate of 15-30%. Due to the fatality rate and severe complications, Listeria is a pathogen of significant public health concern,” said Bill Marler. “Companies that manufacture high-risk foods need to do a far better job at eliminating the risk of a resident Listeria bacteria." According to the CDC and FDA, as of February 6, 2024, a total of 26 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 11 states, including: Arizona (4), California (8), Colorado (4), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Nevada (1), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1), Tennessee (2), Texas (2), and Washington (1). Two deaths have been reported, one each from California and Texas. The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, have linked this multi-year, multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections to queso fresco and cotija cheeses manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California. This outbreak includes cases dating back to 2014 and is currently ongoing. CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. A sample of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during sampling conducted by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch in January 2024. In response to that finding, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalled one batch of Rizo Bros Aged Cotija Mexican Grating Cheese (8oz) on January 11, 2024. The CDC and FDA reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of the cotija cheese sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak. The FDA initiated an on-site inspection at Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. While that inspection is still ongoing, an environmental sample collected during that inspection tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS analysis of that sample showed that it is the same strain of Listeria that is causing illnesses in this outbreak. In response to this investigation, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. has recalled all sell by dates of its dairy products. The recalled products include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market. The firm has temporarily ceased the production and distribution of these products. Since the Jack in the Box outbreak of 1993 (profiled in the book [“Poisoned”](https://www.amazon.com/Poisoned-Deadly-Outbreak-Changed-Americans/dp/1982190175/ref=asc_df_1982190175/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647219415493&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8094862302926295897&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033314&hvtargid=pla-1963403817747&psc=1&mcid=61b05266f05c30a3b2607ff10427afcd)), Bill Marler has been a force for a safer food supply in the U.S. and around the world. Bill can be reached at . ### Other Listeria Lawsuits [Kroger and Walmart Pasta Listeria Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/kroger-and-walmart-pasta-listeria-outbreak) [Listeria Outbreak linked to Kroger and Walmart Chicken Fettuccine](https://marlerclark.com/listeria-outbreak-linked-to-kroger-and-walmart-chicken-fettuccine) [Fresh & Ready Foods linked to California and Nevada Listeria Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/fresh-ready-foods-linked-to-california-and-nevida-listeria-outbreak) [14 Listeria Deaths tied to Lyons ReadyCare or Sysco Shakes](https://marlerclark.com/11-listeria-deaths-tied-to-lyons-readycare-or-sysco) [Boar's Head Deli Meat Sickens 61 in 19 States with Deadly Listeria - 10 deaths](https://marlerclark.com/deli-meat-hits-28-in-12-states-with-deadly-listeria) [Rizo-López Foods recalls cheese after deadly Listeria Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/rizo-l%C3%B3pez-foods-recalls-cheese-after-deadly-listeria-outbreak) [Listeria Outbreak linked to Peaches - 11 Sick with 1 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The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [Listeria Food Poisoning](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/listeria/about-listeria) What is Listeria and how does it cause food poisoning? Listeria is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is ubiquitous and can grow under either anaerobic (without oxygen) or aerobic (with... ###### [The Incidence of Listeria Infections](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/listeria/the-incidence-of-listeria-infections) How common are Listeria infections? 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