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Richelieu Cheese Recall Expands, Affecting Pizza Industry

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ese-recall-expands-affecting-pizza-industry.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, March 26th 2026 at 5:25 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Trenton, NJ - March 26th, 2026 - The voluntary recall issued last week by Richelieu Cheese Corporation has expanded significantly, now impacting not only the initial ten states but prompting heightened concerns within the pizza industry and food safety regulators. While the initial recall focused on potential E. coli contamination in mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and cheddar cheeses distributed primarily to supermarkets, new reports indicate the contamination may be more widespread and affecting products reaching restaurants and pizza manufacturers.

Richelieu Cheese Corporation originally announced the recall on March 19th, 2026, after routine testing detected the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in several cheese varieties. The initial affected states were Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed today that cases of E. coli illness have been reported in fifteen additional states, with a common thread linking back to consumption of products containing Richelieu cheese.

The CDC is currently investigating the outbreak, working with state and local health departments to pinpoint the source of the contamination and the extent of the spread. Preliminary findings suggest a potential issue within the Richelieu Cheese Corporation's processing facilities, possibly involving sanitation protocols or raw material sourcing. Federal investigators have descended upon the company's main production plant in New York, conducting a thorough inspection and reviewing quality control records.

The recalled products - specifically 5lb bags of Richelieu Mozzarella (UPC 722329121563), 5lb bags of Richelieu Provolone (UPC 722329121570), 5lb tubs of Richelieu Ricotta (UPC 722329121587), and 5lb bags of Richelieu Cheddar (UPC 722329121594) - are key ingredients in countless pizzas, sandwiches, and other prepared foods. This has sent ripples of concern through the pizza industry, already facing supply chain challenges and rising ingredient costs.

"This recall couldn't have come at a worse time," stated Marco Rossi, President of the National Pizza Manufacturers Association. "The spring season is a peak demand period, and losing a major cheese supplier like Richelieu puts a significant strain on our members. Many are scrambling to find alternative sources, potentially impacting production and leading to price increases for consumers."

Health officials warn that E. coli can cause a range of symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. These symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after consuming contaminated food. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and discard any of the recalled Richelieu cheese products immediately. Restaurants and food service providers are advised to verify their cheese suppliers and remove any potentially contaminated products from their inventory. The FDA has established a dedicated hotline and online resource page (fda.gov/richelieuxrecall) for consumers and businesses seeking information.

Beyond the immediate health risks, this recall is raising questions about the effectiveness of current food safety regulations and inspection procedures. Critics argue that routine sampling may not be frequent enough to detect sporadic contamination events, and that stricter oversight of cheese processing facilities is needed. The incident is already fueling calls for increased funding for the FDA and CDC to bolster their food safety monitoring capabilities.

Richelieu Cheese Corporation has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the safety of its products. The company has temporarily suspended production at the affected facility and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Consumers with questions can contact Richelieu Cheese Corporation at 855-493-2773. The situation remains fluid, and this article will be updated as new information becomes available.