Pregnant or 65+? Checklist for Requeson/Soft Ricotta and Listeria

CDC and FDA say to not eat recalled requeson (soft ricotta-style) cheese tied to a Listeria outbreak. If you have the product at home, follow the recall instructions—typically that means discarding or returning it rather than tasting it “just to be sure.”

This guidance is especially important for pregnant people, adults age 65+, and people with weakened immune systems. For this outbreak, FDA’s higher-risk guidance also includes avoiding queso fresco-type cheeses, including soft ricotta/requeson.

Step 1: Check your fridge now

CDC and FDA recommend you:

Check your refrigerator and freezer for the soft cheese products described in the agencies’ outbreak/recall materials.
Do not eat any recalled product, and do not serve it to others.
Discard or return recalled cheese according to the instructions provided.
Clean surfaces and containers the cheese touched to reduce the chance of cross-contamination.

Step 2: Know why higher-risk groups need extra caution

Listeria illness (listeriosis) can be more severe for people who are pregnant, are older, or have weakened immune systems. FDA specifically emphasizes higher-risk groups in its outbreak consumer guidance, including advice to avoid queso fresco-type cheeses during the investigation.

Step 3: Watch for symptoms—and don’t wait if you’re high-risk

Symptoms of listeriosis can appear anywhere from about 2 weeks after exposure to as late as 10 weeks (timing can vary). Symptoms may start mild, and can include:

Fever and muscle aches
Tiredness
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Severe illness can involve symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, trouble with balance, or seizures. If you have severe symptoms, seek emergency care.

For pregnant people, adults 65+, and immunocompromised people, contact a healthcare provider promptly if symptoms develop after possible exposure to the recalled cheese.

What’s known vs. what’s still being investigated

What’s known: CDC/FDA are investigating illnesses linked to certain requeson/soft ricotta-style cheeses, and they’re urging higher-risk people to avoid the affected products.
Ongoing work: Investigations continue, and agencies may update guidance if they identify additional products/batches linked to illness.
Why timing matters: Because listeriosis can have a long and variable symptom timeline, “case counts so far” may not reflect the full number of illnesses yet.

Bottom line

Everyone: Don’t eat recalled requeson/soft ricotta-style cheese.
Pregnant people, age 65+, and immunocompromised: FDA’s outbreak guidance includes avoiding queso fresco-type cheeses, including soft ricotta/requeson, during the investigation.
If symptoms develop: contact a healthcare provider promptly—especially if you’re in a higher-risk group.

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.