Expanding upon investigative efforts conducted in 2017 and 2021, the CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on February 6, 2024, the CDC announced a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with queso fresco and similar cheeses as the source of the outbreak. As of February 6, 2024, a total of 26 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria were reported from 11 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 15, 2024 to December 10, 2023. Of 26 people with information available, 23 were hospitalized. Two deaths were reported, one from California and one from Texas.

In January 2024, the Hawaii State Department of Health's Food and Drug Branch collected a sample of aged cotija cheese product made by Rizo-Lopez Foods during routine sampling. Testing identified the outbreak strain of Listeria in the product. FDA conducted inspections at the Rizo-Lopez facility and collected food and environmental samples for testing. FDA found the outbreak of strain of Listeria on a container where cheeses were kept before they were packaged.

On January 11, 2024, Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. recalled the aged cotija cheese product after Hawaii state officials found Listeria in it. On February 6, 2024, Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. recalled all cheese and other dairy products made in their facility.

The outbreak was declared over on April 10, 2024.