Potential food poisoning risks lurk at your Super Bowl party

Be aware of the dairy products served on your Sunday Super Bowl party as more foods are being recalled in the wake of a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning in the U.S., the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated on Friday.

Some seven-layer bean dips, chicken enchiladas, cilantro salad dressings and taco kits sold at stores like Costco, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Whole Foods are part of the growing recalls of products made by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc., of Modesto, California, according to FDA's latest update.

Dairy products made by Rizo Lopez Foods are the source of the listeria outbreak that has killed two people and sickened more than two dozen since 2014, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Health officials investigated illnesses in 2017 and 2021, but were only able to confirm the source based on new laboratory and inspection information when more people fell ill in December, officials said.

Rizo Lopez Foods recalled more than 60 soft cheeses, yogurt and sour cream on Monday that are sold under the brands Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas, and 365 Whole Foods Market.

The recalled foods were sold to food service providers, retailers and at deli counters across the U.S.. The full list can be accessed on FDA's website.

What is listeria infection?

Listeria infections can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, death. People who are pregnant, older than 65 or have weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms — like muscle aches, fever and tiredness — usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated foods, but can start earlier or later.

About 1,600 people are sickened by listeria food poisoning every year, according to the CDC.

The CDC said consumers who have the recalled products should throw them away and thoroughly clean the refrigerator, counters and other contact sites. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and easily contaminate other foods and surfaces.

(With input from AP)