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On June 26, 2026, La Ceiba Foods Latin Market Inc. announced a voluntary recall of its La Colonia and Selectos Latinos brand cheese products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination [1]. The recall was initiated after La Ceiba Foods was notified by its supplier, Clover Hill Dairy, LLC of Mechanicsville, Maryland, of contamination identified in products manufactured at its facility.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall covers three La Colonia and Selectos Latinos branded products distributed between May 11, 2026 and June 1, 2026, all with an expiration date of July 10, 2026. The affected products are La Colonia Salvadoreño Requesón Soft Ricotta Cheese (14 oz, UPC 736846383099), Selectos Latinos Requesón Salvadoreño Ricotta Style Salvadorean Cheese (16 oz, UPC 767787984526), and Selectos Latinos Requesón Mexicano Mexican Cottage Cheese (16 oz, UPC 767787984519).
The recalled products were distributed to supermarkets, retail stores, and restaurants throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Consumers should check the brand name, UPC, and expiration date on their product packaging to determine whether their purchase is included in the recall.
What Is the Hazard?
The recalled cheese has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of causing serious and sometimes fatal infections. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness.
Healthy individuals may experience short-lived symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, Listeria infection can also lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Connection to the Broader Outbreak
This recall is connected to a larger, ongoing multi-state outbreak investigation. The FDA and CDC are investigating a multi-state, multi-year outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to requeson cheese manufactured by Clover Hill Dairy, LLC, the supplier whose contamination triggered this recall.
Incidents and Injuries
As of this recall, 12 illnesses and one death have been reported in connection with the broader Listeria outbreak tied to Clover Hill Dairy requeson products. The FDA’s investigation into the full scope of illnesses connected to this specific recall remains ongoing.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers are advised not to consume, sell, or serve any recalled La Colonia or Selectos Latinos cheese products. Recalled products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, acting on behalf of Clover Hill Dairy, at 240-528-8850 extension 327, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Consumers who became ill after eating recalled La Colonia or Selectos Latinos cheese products may have significant legal options. A class action lawsuit could allow affected individuals to seek compensation for medical expenses, hospitalization costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights.
References
1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/la-ceiba-foods-latin-market-inc-recalls-cottage-cheese-products-because-possible-health-risk