Newly recalled items associated with the listeria outbreak include bean dips, enchiladas, and taco kits.

Newly recalled items associated with the listeria outbreak include bean dips, enchiladas, and taco kits.

Additional food products are being withdrawn from the market due to a serious case of listeria contamination, including snack items that could potentially be served at Super Bowl gatherings.

Federal health officials announced that products from Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., based in Modesto, California, are being recalled due to concerns of contamination. These products include seven-layer bean dip, chicken enchiladas, cilantro salad dressing, and taco kits, which are sold at popular stores such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Albertson’s.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rizo Lopez Foods’ dairy products are responsible for a listeria outbreak that has resulted in two deaths and over 25 illnesses since 2014.

In 2017 and 2021, health authorities looked into reported sicknesses. However, they were only able to determine the cause based on updated laboratory and inspection data after more individuals became ill in December, according to officials.

On Monday, Rizo Lopez Foods issued a recall for over 60 products including soft cheeses, yogurt, and sour cream. These items are sold under various brand names such as 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 recalled products were distributed to food service establishments, stores, and deli counters across the country.

The government recommended that individuals refer to the Food and Drug Administration’s list of recalled items to stay informed about details, sizes, and expiration dates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also released a warning regarding specific Amazon kitchen burritos that contain components from Rizo Lopez Foods.

The CDC reports that approximately 1,600 individuals are affected by listeria food poisoning annually. This type of infection can lead to severe illness and, in uncommon instances, death. Pregnant individuals, those over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. Symptoms, such as muscle pain, fever, and fatigue, typically appear within two weeks of consuming contaminated food, but may occur sooner or later.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised individuals who possess the recalled items to discard them and thoroughly sanitize their fridge, countertops, and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the products. Listeria has the ability to survive in refrigerated environments and can easily spread to other edibles and areas.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for all of its content.