Trader Joe’s Recalls Certain Products Containing Cotija Cheese Because They May Be Contaminated With Listeria Monocytogenes

Raleigh, N.C., Jan. 14, 2026 — Trader Joe’s of Monrovia, Calif., has recalled several prepared foods after the cotija cheese used in them may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly or frail people, pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems. Consumers are advised to stop using or eating the listed products immediately and discard them or return them for a full refund; do not taste or reheat to attempt to make them safe.

The recall covers all lot code(s) of the following Trader Joe’s products manufactured with cotija cheese: Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde (SKU 58292), Trader Joe’s Cilantro Salad Dressing (SKU 36420), Trader Joe’s Elote Chopped Salad Kit (SKU 74768) and Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (SKU 56077). These items have been sold since Sept. 15, 2025, online and at select U.S. retailers and Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. The cotija cheese was produced by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., which initiated a related dairy recall on Feb. 5, 2024.

Consumers who purchased any of the listed products should dispose of them in a sealed container or return them to any Trader Joe’s for a refund, or follow local public health guidance for disposal if available. Customers seeking replacements, refunds or additional information may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 (Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PT) or email [email protected]; if uncertain about exposure or symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. For further details, check Trader Joe’s website or your local public health advisories.