YAKIMA, Wash. - The Washington state Department of Health says an outbreak of listeria that has killed one person originated from a Yakima cheese maker.
Reports said that state health and agriculture officials are working with federal officials to contain the outbreak.
The products in question come from Yakima-based Queseria Bendita. The company has stopped producing cheese and is subject to a voluntary recall.
Health officials say as of Friday three listeria cases had been reported - one each in King, Pierce and Yakima counties. One death was reported.
Health officials say people who may have bought three Queseria Bendita brand cheeses - Queso Fresco, Panela, and Requeson - should throw the product away and not eat it.
In a statement, the company says the cheese in question was distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and the firm also sold products from its on-site store in Yakima.
