A recall of multiple cheese products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op, based in Ohio, issued a recall for the products on August 27. The FDA subsequently issued a Class I risk classification for the recall on September 23.
Newsweek contacted Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative for comment by phone outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.
The FDA warned that listeria can cause “serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”
It added: “Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
What To Know
The products impacted by the recall include the following:
Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Montery Jack Cheese with Pickles:
6 oz. package – lot code: 253054 – sell-by dates: 1-7-26, 1-11-26, or 2-16-26
1.25 lb. package – lot code: 253054 – sell-by date: 12-30-25
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Organic Gouda Cheese – 8 oz. packages – sell-by date: 2/13/2026
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Shredded Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese – 5 lb. bags – sell-by date: 9/3/2025
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Colored (Yellow) Cheddar Cheese:
5lb loaves (labeled as Smoked Cheddar and All Natural Mild Cheddar) – sell-by date: 2/13/2026
5 lb. bags (labeled as Shredded Cheddar Cheese) – sell-by date: 9/3/2025
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 5 lb. bags – sell-by date: 9/3/2025
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Original Swiss Cheese – 5 lb. loaves – sell-by date: 2/13/2026
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Pepper Jack Cheese:
5 lb. loaves (labeled as All Natural Pepper Jack) – sell-by date: 2/13/2026
5 lb. bags (shredded cheese) – sell-by date: 9/3/2025
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Monterey Jack Cheese:
5 lb. loves – sell-by date: 2/13/2026
5 lb. bags (shredded cheese) – sell-by date: 9/3/2025
The affected products were produced on May 30 and August 13, and distributed in Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas between July 7 and August 14, the FDA said. The products were sold through distributors, dining halls and retails stores.
The recall was initiated after the company conducted testing, which revealed the presence of listeria in the finished products and on the surfaces of cutting equipment.
As of September 8, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the recalled products.
What People Are Saying
Mary O’Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: “Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.
“Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it’s often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention.”
Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: “Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example, in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis—a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person—so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised—must eat contaminated food.
“The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.”
The FDA says on its website: “Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis.”
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Customers who purchased the affected products are urged to dispose them or return them to their place of purchase for a refund.