Massive Cheese Recall Issued Over Listeria Concerns—What to Know

The items were distributed in Ohio.

A block of cheese on a wooden cutting board with knife nearby
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  • The FDA announced a recall of more than 5,400 pounds of cheese from Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op due to potential Listeria contamination.
  • Testing conducted by the company revealed the Listeria came from environmental contamination that spread to food-contact areas.
  • Consumers are advised to discard or return affected products for a refund, as Listeria poses serious risks to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Check the cheese in your fridge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of multiple cheese products from the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op due to potential Listeria contamination.

The recalled products, which total more than 5,400 pounds of cheese, were distributed in Ohio between July 14 and August 7. They include the following:

  • Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese: 8-ounce packages, 5-pound loaves, and 40-pound loaves with lot code 251661
  • Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese: 8-ounce packages with lot code 251661
  • Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese: 8-ounce packages with lot code 2524061
  • Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Monterey Jack Cheese: 8-ounce packages and 5-pound blocks with lot code 251672 and 40-pound blocks with dates coded as 7-16-25B
  • Farmers Cheese: 8-ounce packages and 5-pound blocks with lot code 251672 and 40-pound blocks with dates coded as 7-16-25B

The recall was initiated after testing conducted by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Production was halted while investigations were conducted, revealing that the Listeria came from environmental contamination that spread to food-contact areas.

So far, there have been no reports of illness associated with the affected products. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, adults aged 65 or older, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and while infected pregnant women may experience mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery and stillbirths, the agency warns.

If you have any of these products, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For questions about the recall, contact Nevin Byler, general manager of Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op, by calling 440-632-5567, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

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