If You Ate Recalled Soft Ricotta While Pregnant: What CDC Says

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

CDC says listeriosis symptoms can start soon after exposure—but they may also be delayed. If you ate recalled soft ricotta/requesón while pregnant, here’s what to watch for and what to do next.

Practical takeaway: If you’re pregnant (or caring for a newborn/young infant) and you ate recalled soft ricotta/requesón cheese tied to the Clover Hill Dairy recall, stop eating the recalled product and contact a clinician if you develop symptoms that match CDC’s listeriosis guidance.

What prompted the alert (quick context)

In June 2026, CDC and FDA linked a multistate Listeria (listeriosis) outbreak to certain soft-cheese products sold as requesón/soft ricotta made by Clover Hill Dairy, and FDA posted a recall notice for the affected products.

What to do now

  • Stop eating the recalled soft ricotta/requesón.
  • Check your fridge for any potentially contaminated items from the same product category, and follow CDC’s cleaning approach for surfaces/utensils that may have contacted the cheese.
  • Keep an eye on symptoms during the full monitoring window CDC describes, and call your clinician promptly if symptoms develop.

Symptom timing: why it can be confusing

CDC notes that listeriosis symptoms can begin as early as the same day after exposure, but they also may be delayed. CDC describes a monitoring window that can extend to about 10 weeks. In other words, feeling fine for a short time is reassuring—but it doesn’t replace symptom awareness during the entire period CDC highlights.

Warning signs: use CDC’s symptom list

CDC provides a symptom list for listeriosis. If you develop symptoms that match CDC’s list, prioritize a prompt call to a healthcare professional—especially during pregnancy and for newborns/young infants.

If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent/emergency care.

What to tell the clinician (to speed up evaluation)

When you call, share:

  • Approximate exposure date (around when you think you ate the cheese)
  • Product details (the brand and whether it was sold as requesón/soft ricotta from the recalled product category)
  • When symptoms started and what you’re experiencing

Clinicians may consider assessment, possible lab testing, and antibiotic treatment when listeriosis is diagnosed—or strongly suspected—based on symptoms and risk factors.

Uncertainties (what you can take from the guidance)

  • Not every exposure leads to illness. CDC’s recommendations focus on risk-based prevention and timely evaluation if symptoms appear.
  • Pregnancy and young infants require extra caution. That’s why CDC emphasizes both the symptom monitoring window and prompt contact if symptoms develop.

Recall-check: confirm what you ate

If you have the packaging or purchase details, compare them to CDC’s outbreak information and the FDA recall notice so you can confirm whether your product falls within the recalled category and timing.

Key sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.