Soft ripened cheeses sold by retailers such as Aldi and Market Basket were recalled due to potential listeria contamination, a bacteria that can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections, according to a notice from the US Food and Drug Administration.

A related recall was announced for turkey sandwiches that included the recalled cheese, which were distributed across six states.

Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the US, with an estimated 1,600 infections and 260 fatalities each year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk, and listeria infections can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.

The recall affects seven varieties of ripened cheese produced at a facility in Lena, Illinois, where routine testing revealed potential contamination in equipment.

Savencia Cheese USA, based in New Holland, Pennsylvania, announced the expanded recall earlier this week. Health officials warn that listeria can persist in food processing environments, making it challenging to eliminate completely.

Aldi has announced the recall of soft ripened cheese sold in its stores across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri due to concerns over listeria contamination, CBS News reported.

The affected cheeses were manufactured between late September and mid-October, with best-by dates of December 24, 2024, and January 13, 2025.

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In addition, a related recall has been issued for sandwiches sold under the CIBUS Fresh, Jack & Olive, and Sprig and Sprout brands. These sandwiches, which contain the recalled spreadable brie cheese, were distributed in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. The 9.65-ounce Autumn turkey sandwiches have expiration dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 9, 2024.

Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled products and to return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.