A queso cheese product called “Queso de Mano PAISA” is being recalled by Florida-based Tama Corporation due to contamination with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, as announced by the FDA. The affected product is a 24-ounce container with a lot number of 2420104 and a best by date of May 16, 2024. It was distributed to Rancho Market stores in Utah and no illnesses linked to consuming the product have been reported as of the recall announcement on April 26. The company stated that it demands rigorous quality controls from its suppliers and took immediate action to halt the sale of the contaminated product.
Listeria is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause listeriosis in humans. It is found in moist environments such as soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animals, and is capable of surviving under refrigerated conditions. Listeriosis can lead to severe illness in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths if infected, and the bacterium can be passed on to unborn babies, leading to serious health complications. Symptoms typically appear within hours or days after infection, including fever, tiredness, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, while more severe cases can cause headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, and convulsions.
The FDA advises individuals who suspect they may have been infected with Listeria to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider, especially if they belong to high-risk groups. Previous listeriosis outbreaks in the United States have been linked to various food sources, including raw, unpasteurized milk and cheese, ice cream, raw or processed fruits and vegetables, undercooked poultry, sausages, hot dogs, deli meats, and raw or smoked seafood. Tama Corporation is working with regulatory agencies and the product manufacturer to prevent future occurrences of contamination and ensure the safety of consumers, clients, and distributors.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and discard any remaining Queso de Mano PAISA products with the specified lot number and best by date to avoid potential health risks. Tama Corporation emphasized its commitment to quality control and safety measures in response to the recall, emphasizing collaboration with regulatory authorities to address the situation accordingly. The recall highlights the importance of food safety and strict quality standards in preventing bacterial contamination of food products, especially those that pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations. The company’s proactive approach in halting the sale of the affected product and working to prevent future issues is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring consumer safety.
