That ricotta cheese that has killed three people originated in Italy and was sold at a whole bunch of fancy Whole Foods in the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is reporting that as of September 11, 2012, a total of 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states and the District of Columbia.

All 14 ill persons have been hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported. Listeriosis contributed to at least one of these deaths.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in a sample of uncut imported Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese, Inc.

The first person fell ill on March 28, the most recent on Aug.30, according to CDC.

All 14 ill individuals were hospitalized. Four of those sickened were pregnant women, two were newborns. The other 10 people were between 56 and 87 years old.

Our Italian food safety friend says the producer got a big thumbs up from European auditors.