LEONARDTOWN — The Maryland Department of Health has announced that Clover Hill Dairy in Mechanicsville has issued a voluntary recall of its requesón and soft ricotta cheese products because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The products are sold directly from the dairy’s retail market in St. Mary’s County, at farmers markets and through third-party distributors that may reach New York and Virginia. Some varieties include jalapeño or other flavors. Products may be relabeled under different brand names, so consumers should check packages for the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit number “24-128” if available.
Consumers, retailers and restaurants should not eat, sell or serve any products containing the recalled cheese and should dispose of affected items. The department has suspended the facility’s operating license and is conducting a follow-up evaluation.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can grow in refrigerated conditions and spread easily to other foods and surfaces. It can survive in unsanitary production environments. When consumed, it can cause listeriosis, which ranges from mild to severe illness. Mild cases often involve fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting one to three days. Severe cases can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms typically appear within several days but can develop up to two months after exposure.
Pregnant women, newborns, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of serious complications, including miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnancy. Pets can also spread the bacteria if they consume contaminated food.
The department advises that consumers at higher risk should avoid soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. Even soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk can become contaminated after processing.
Clover Hill Dairy products are distributed locally in Southern Maryland and beyond. Farmers markets in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties and retail outlets may have carried the items. Shoppers who purchased soft ricotta or requesón-style cheese recently should verify the manufacturer number and discard any matching products.
The recall affects multiple varieties and distribution channels. The department stated that the information represents the best available at the time of the announcement.
