FDA Expands Cotija Cheese Recall

The recall in January for packaged cotija cheese expands into salad kits, sandwiches affecting nearly 30 brands.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

February 23, 2024

2 Min Read
Cotija cheese recall expanded
The recall of cotija cheese expands to other cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream.Image courtesy of Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez / iStock via Getty Images

The FDA recall in January for cotija cheese in puck packages produced by Rizo Bros. California Creamery has expanded. The recall into February now includes other cheese varieties, salad kits, sandwiches, and meal kits that contain the cheese.

Rizo Lopez Foods out of Modesto, CA, recalled 344 cases of Rizo Bros. Aged cotija Mexican Grating Cheese on Jan. 11, 2024, due to the possibility of Listeria contamination. The recall was a result of a routine sampling program by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch on January 3, which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. 

At the time, Rizo Lopez Foods ceased production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continued their investigation into what caused the issue. Just over one month later, various products that contain the cheese have now been put on the FDA recall list.

Rizo Lopez Foods expanded its recall to include additional varieties of cheese, including Cheddar, Cotija, Freir, Fresco, Monterey, Oaxaca, Panela, and Paneer, along with yogurt and sour cream.

Distribution throughout the US incurred several recalls for various products throughout February, that included the dairy varieties listed above.

  • Rojo's Black Bean 6 Layer Dip

  • Don Pancho, HEB, Trader Joe's Cilantro Lime Crema, Everything Sauce Fiesta, Cilantro Cotija dressing, Poblano Caesar dressing, Cilantro Dressing, Street Taco Express Meal Kit

  • Bright Farms Southwest Chipotle Crunch Kit salad kit

  • Marketside, Ready Pac Bistro Southwest Chopped Salad Kit, Bacon Ranch Crunch Kit, Fresh Mex Chopped Kit, Queso Crunch Salad Kit

  • Marketside Bacon Ranch Crunch Chopped Salad Kit and Bacon Ranch

  • Albertsons, Safeway, Eagle, Carrs-Safeway, Pavilions, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw's, Star Market, Lucky Chicken Taco Kits and Meals

  • Fresh and Ready, Sprig and Sprout, Jack and Olive Torta sandwiches

  • Dole Fresh Vegetables salad kits: Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch, Premium Kit Southwest Salad, Cajun Ranch Chopped Kit, Premium Kit Endless Summer, Supreme Kit Southwest Salad

  • President's Choice Southwest Salad Kit

  • The Perfect Bite Co. Mexican Style Street Corn Bites

  • Stater Bros., SaveMart Chicken Street Taco Kit

  • Sprout's Farmers Market Chicken Street Taco Kit

  • MG Foods Ham & Cotija Torta Sandwich on Telera Roll

  • Bristol Farms Chicken Street Taco Kit

  • Rico Enchiladas

If you have any of these products, contact the company listed or the FDA to verify the recall and steps to take for reimbursement.

About the Author(s)

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and computers.

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