# FDA Expands Cheese Recall After 8 Hospitalizations, 1 Death Due to Listeria Contamination
The FDA has expanded a cheese recall following a deadly outbreak of listeria contamination. Eight people have been hospitalized and one death has been reported, prompting the agency to widen the scope of affected products.
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that thrives in cold environments, poses a particular threat to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The infection causes listeriosis, which can lead to severe complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, sepsis, and meningitis.
Cheese products are common listeria culprits because the bacteria survives refrigeration. Soft cheeses, unpasteurized varieties, and those made with unpasteurized milk carry the highest risk. Hard cheeses and those made with pasteurized milk are generally safer.
Parents with vulnerable family members should check their refrigerators for recalled products. The FDA maintains an active list of affected cheese brands and production dates on its website. Discard any matching items or return them to the store for refunds.
To protect your family, buy cheese made from pasteurized milk when possible. Store cheese at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and consume soft cheeses within one to two weeks of opening. Pregnant women should avoid all soft cheeses unless labeled as made from pasteurized milk.
If anyone in your household develops fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, or headache within two to four weeks of eating recalled cheese, seek medical attention immediately. Let your doctor know about the potential listeria exposure so they can test appropriately and start treatment with antibiotics if needed.
Food safety officials recommend checking the FDA website regularly during active recalls, as expanded recalls can happen quickly