CDC advises people not to eat cheese and cheese as Listeria is contaminated
(CNN) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns people at risk of severe listeriosis not to eat cheese and cheese after being handled in a facility linked to multiple state outbreaks of these diseases.
The El Abulito brand recalled all new cheese products on February 19 due to Listeria contamination. The CDC is concerned that the cheese may be contaminated as quesilo and cheese may be manufactured or packaged at the same facility and distributed under other brands.
Pregnant women, people 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing severe listeriosis. The CDC advises these groups not to eat any brand of cheese or cheese, in addition to recalling Queso Fresco products.
The company also advises others not to eat El Abulito cheese and cheese or fresh cheese as a reminder.
Symptoms of Listeria infection usually begin one to four weeks after eating unhealthy food, and include fever, muscle aches, headaches, confusion, and loss of balance.
See:What is Listeria? All you need to know about the bacteria that can make you sick
The eruption affected 10 people living in Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Virginia this week. Nine people have been admitted to hospital and no one has died.