Trader Joe’s, Costco and More Are Recalling Products with Cotija Cheese Due to Listeria Contamination

There’s an expansion on an active recall of products containing cotija cheese, according to the Food and Drug Administration. This is due to a contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

The original recall included select cheeses, yogurts and crema sold at retailers like Whole Foods Market. The recall expanded to popular products like salad kits and salad dressings sold at Trader Joe’s and Costco. Here is the list of additional groceries impacted:

• President’s Choice Chopped Mexican-Style Street Corn Salad Kit, UPC 0 60383 03491 7 with “best by” dates up to and including “2024 FE 19.”
• Taylor Farms Mexican Style Street Corn Salad Kit (2-pack), UPC 0 30223 06191 5 with “best by” dates up to and including “24 FE 19.”
• Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde (sku 58292)
• Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing (sku 36420)
• Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit (sku 74768)
• Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (sku 56077)

The Trader Joe's products were sold in U.S. stores nationwide, and the President's Choice and Taylor Farms salad kids were sold at Costco locations in Canada, per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Check your product for the above information, and if it matches the recall, dispose of it immediately or return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. 

This large recall on queso, ricotta and cotija cheese is connected to 26 illnesses, including 23 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. Those with Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, may experience common symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, it can be fatal for those in at-risk groups like elderly, immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after consuming one of the recalled products, contact your health care provider immediately. For questions pertaining to the Trader Joe’s recalls, contact their Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. For other recall-related questions, consumers can contact their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency toll-free at 1-800-442-2342.