Quesito El Establo, based in Salem, New Hampshire, has issued a recall for all Spanish Cheese (Quesito Colombiano) produced at its facility. The decision follows an inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found evidence of rodents, rodent activity, and other unsanitary conditions during manufacturing and storage.
The presence of rodents raises concerns about possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella infection can cause serious health problems, particularly for infants, young children, elderly people, pregnant individuals, those with existing medical conditions such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients, and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms in healthy individuals may include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can become more severe if it spreads to the bloodstream.
The affected cheese was distributed to Hispanic/Latino retail stores in Massachusetts. The recall covers all products stamped with code AUG 22 2025 or earlier. Each recalled unit is about one pound in weight and comes wrapped in plastic inside a Ziploc bag. Packaging includes a blue sticker featuring a cow with “Quesito Colombiano” written below it in yellow lettering; the label also indicates “Spanish Cheese” at the top and lists Quesito El Establo as the manufacturer.
No illnesses related to this product have been reported so far.
According to Quesito El Establo’s statement: "This recall is the result of an FDA inspection where insanitary conditions were observed. Quesito el Establo has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation."
Consumers who have purchased this cheese are advised not to eat it and should return it to where they bought it for a full refund. Questions can be directed to Quesito El Establo at 617-842-0513 from Monday through Saturday between 9:00am and 5:00pm EST.
