About the Recall
On June 3, 2026, Clover Hill Dairy, LLC issued a voluntary recall of all requeson and soft ricotta products after FDA and state investigators confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples of the company’s cheese. The Maryland Department of Health responded by suspending Clover Hill Dairy’s operating license and issuing a statewide consumer advisory due to the serious public health risk the products pose.
How to Identify Recalled Products
The recall covers all requeson and soft ricotta cheese manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy, including plain varieties and flavored versions such as jalapeño. Some products may have been relabeled under a different brand name after distribution — consumers should look for the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit number “24-128” printed on the product label to determine whether their cheese is subject to the recall.
The cheese was sold directly from Clover Hill Dairy’s on-site retail market in Maryland, at farmers markets, and through third-party distributors with confirmed distribution in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. The investigation is ongoing and additional distribution cannot be ruled out.
The Dangers of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, with a case fatality rate significantly higher than more commonly known bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Symptoms of listeriosis can appear anywhere from the same day to ten weeks after consuming contaminated food, making it particularly difficult for patients and physicians to connect an illness to its source.
Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, while more severe cases can progress to headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For pregnant women, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn — even when the mother herself experiences only mild symptoms.
How the Outbreak Was Traced
In May 2026, the Suffolk County Health Department in New York identified two family members who fell ill with the same Listeria strain after purchasing cheese from a retailer in Brentwood, New York. Laboratory testing confirmed that a sample of requeson repacked by that retailer tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and whole genome sequencing confirmed the strain matched the outbreak strain making people sick.
Investigators traced the cheese back through the retailer’s distributor to Clover Hill Dairy, LLC. An unopened 18-pound sealed bucket of requeson manufactured directly by Clover Hill Dairy also tested positive for Listeria, further implicating the facility as the outbreak source.
Illnesses and Deaths
As of June 4, 2026, eight people have been confirmed ill with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes across Maryland, New York, and Virginia, with illness onset dates spanning from March 6, 2023, to May 9, 2026 — a contamination window exceeding three years. Seven of the eight patients were hospitalized, and one person has died.
What Consumers Should Do
Anyone who has Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta or requeson cheese — in any variety or under any brand name bearing manufacturer permit number “24-128” — should not eat it, serve it, or sell it, and should discard it immediately. All surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have come in contact with the recalled cheese should be thoroughly washed and sanitized, as Listeria can survive at refrigerator temperatures and spread easily to other foods.
Consumers who experience symptoms of listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately and mention the possible exposure. Adverse events can also be reported to the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Consumers who became ill with listeriosis after eating Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta or requeson cheese — or families of individuals who were hospitalized or died as a result of this outbreak — may have significant legal options. A class action lawsuit could allow affected individuals to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospitalization costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and other related losses. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to have your case evaluated.
References
1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-soft-cheese-june-2026