Update: 3 Dead, 14 Hospitalized From Tainted Ricotta Cheese

ATLANTAThree people are dead and 14 hospitalized from a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese, Inc., according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The agency said illnesses have been reported in 11 states, including California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Collaborative investigation efforts of local, state and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that imported ricotta salata cheese is the likely source of this outbreak.

On Sept. 10, Forever Cheese recalled Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese in 18 states and the District of Columbia because the cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall involves Forever Cheese lot # T9425 and/or production code 441202 on the original wheel. The cheese was sold to sold to supermarkets, restaurants and wholesale distributors in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia between June 20 and Aug. 9, 2012.