Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Recalls Multiple Cheeses Over Listeria Risk
Extensive cheese recall affects multiple states following Listeria contamination concerns at Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op.
Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Recalls Cheese Products Due to Listeria Concerns
In a wide-ranging recall with significant food safety implications, Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op, a renowned cheesemaker based in Ohio, has withdrawn multiple cheese varieties from stores across four U.S. states. The recall comes after both finished cheese products and equipment surfaces tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, illness, particularly among vulnerable population groups. This article provides comprehensive details on the recall, affected products, health risks, consumer guidance, and frequently asked questions.
Affected Regions and Distribution Timeline
The recall applies to cheeses produced between May 30 and August 13, 2025 at Middlefield’s facility and distributed between July 7 and August 14, 2025. The impacted products reached retail stores, dining halls, and distributors in:
- Ohio
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Texas
Consumers in these states are urged to carefully check existing cheese supplies for the recalled items and heed all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and health authorities.
Background: Trigger for the Recall
The recall was initiated after routine food safety testing identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in both finished cheese products and on some cheese cutting equipment at Middlefield’s processing facility. The discovery of Listeria in such environments is treated with utmost urgency, as the bacterium is highly resilient and can lead to severe health consequences.
Upon confirming test results, the company reported findings to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and began collaborating with regulators to expand the recall in order to protect public health.
List of Recalled Cheese Products
The recall includes several varieties—packaged in different sizes and under the Middlefield Original Cheese and Sunrise Creamery brands. Only specific lot codes and sell-by dates are included in the recall.
| Brand | Cheese Variety | Package Size | Sell-by Date / Lot Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Organic Gouda | 8 oz | 02/13/2026 |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Mozzarella/Provolone Shredded | 5 lb bag | 09/03/2025 |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Smoked Cheddar, All Natural Mild Cheddar (Loaves) | 5 lb loaves | 02/13/2026 |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 5 lb bag | 09/03/2025 |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Swiss Cheese | 5 lb loaf | 02/13/2026 |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | All Natural Pepper Jack Cheese (Loaves & Shredded) | 5 lb loaves (loaf), 5 lb bag (shredded) | 02/13/2026 (loaf), 09/03/2025 (shredded) |
| Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | Monterey Jack Cheese (Loaves & Shredded) | 5 lb loaves, 5 lb bag | 02/13/2026 (loaves), 09/03/2025 (shredded) |
| Sunrise Creamery | Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack with Pickles | 6 oz, 1.25 lb, 25 lb | Lot code 253054; Sell-by 01/07/2026, 01/11/2026, 02/16/2026, 12/30/2025 |
Other Previously Recalled Cheeses
- Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese (8 oz, 5 lb, and 40 lb loaves)
- Horseradish Flavored Cheese (8 oz)
- Monterey Jack Cheese (8 oz, 5 lb, and 40 lb loaves)
For a comprehensive list, consumers are advised to consult official FDA recall announcements and health department notices.
Health Risks of Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can survive and grow in refrigerated environments. It is particularly dangerous due to its ability to persist in food processing facilities and cause infection through contaminated food products.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria can result in listeriosis, a serious infection that poses the following risks:
- High-risk populations: Elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and young children
- Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Complications: Miscarriages, stillbirths in pregnant women, sepsis, and meningitis in other high-risk individuals
- Healthy individuals: Usually suffer only short-term symptoms, but serious complications are possible
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year in the United States, with the majority of cases linked to contaminated foods such as dairy products, deli meats, and produce.
Actions Taken by Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op and Authorities
Upon learning of the contamination, Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op took rapid steps to safeguard public health:
- Issued an immediate recall for all affected lots
- Notified the FDA and other relevant regulatory bodies
- Published detailed product lists, lot numbers, and distribution dates
- Worked to remove affected products from retail and distributor channels
- Advised consumers to dispose of or return any affected cheese for a refund
The FDA and state health departments have supported the company’s actions by disseminating recall details nationally and regionally. Extensive cleaning, sanitation inspections, and corrective measures have been implemented at the facility to prevent recurrence.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled cheese products should take the following steps:
- Check the lot codes and sell-by dates on cheese packaging against recall lists.
- Do not consume cheese from affected batches, even if it looks and smells normal.
- Dispose of recalled products in a safe manner or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese to prevent cross-contamination.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have consumed any of the recalled products and develop symptoms associated with listeriosis.
Why Listeria is a Serious Foodborne Threat
Listeria is distinctive among foodborne pathogens due to its remarkable tolerance to cold and its ability to survive and multiply in refrigerated conditions where most bacteria cannot. This property makes it especially troublesome for ready-to-eat products like cheeses, which may not undergo further cooking before consumption.
Some key facts about Listeria:
- Can remain viable on food-contact surfaces and equipment, facilitating cross-contamination
- Survives in refrigerated and salted foods
- Potential for severe illness even at low concentrations
- Implicated in multiple major food recalls and outbreaks annually
Recall Impact and Stakeholder Responses
The Middlefield cheese recall has created concern across the affected Midwestern and Southern states due to the popularity of the company’s artisanal cheeses, distributed both under its own name and via regional partner outlets. Food safety advocates and consumer organizations have praised the swift identification and transparency shown by Middlefield and the FDA.
Retailers and distributors were notified promptly and have worked to remove the recalled stock from shelves. No illnesses have been associated with the current recall as of publication date, an outcome authorities attribute to quick action and consumer vigilance.
Historical Context: Previous Cheese Recalls Involving Listeria
Cheese recalls linked to Listeria are unfortunately not rare. Dairy-based products, particularly soft and semi-soft cheeses, have historically presented an elevated risk profile for listeriosis outbreaks. The following table presents notable Listeria-linked cheese recalls in recent years:
| Year | Brand/Manufacturer | States Affected | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op | OH, MN, WI, TX | Multiple products recalled, no illnesses reported |
| 2024 | Brand X (example) | National | Widespread listeriosis outbreak, several illnesses |
| 2023 | Brand Y (example) | TX, FL | Recall and facility shutdown |
Insights for Consumers: Preventing Listeria Exposure
To guard against Listeria and other foodborne hazards, consumers can follow these best practices:
- Check for recalls before purchasing or consuming perishable dairy products
- Maintain refrigerator temperatures below 40ºF (4ºC)
- Keep food storage and preparation surfaces clean and sanitized
- Separate raw foods from ready-to-eat products
- Follow expiration and sell-by dates religiously
- For those at increased risk, avoid unpasteurized cheeses and deli items
How to Get More Information and File a Report
For the most current recall and product list updates, visit official sources, including:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall page
- State Departments of Health (Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas)
- Company Contact: Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op phone and website for recall support and refund information
Consumers or healthcare professionals suspecting listeriosis should report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system or local health authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What types of cheese are affected by the Middlefield recall?
A: The recall includes several varieties: Gouda, Mozzarella/Provolone, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Swiss, and Monterey Jack, in various package sizes and under both the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op and Sunrise Creamery brands.
Q: How do I know if my cheese is affected?
A: Check the packaging for lot codes and sell-by dates that match those listed in the recall announcement. Detailed product information is available in official FDA publications and above tables.
Q: What should I do if I have a recalled product?
A: Do not consume the product. Dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Q: Are there any reported illnesses from this recall?
A: As of the announcement date, no illnesses have been reported linked to these products.
Q: What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
A: Symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Q: Where can I get more information about the recall?
A: Refer to the FDA website, your state’s health department, or the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op’s official customer service contacts.
Conclusion: Food Safety Vigilance and Consumer Responsibility
This recall highlights the importance of rigorous food safety oversight and consumer awareness regarding recalls, especially for widely distributed perishable products like cheese. Anyone in possession of the recalled Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op or Sunrise Creamery cheeses is urged to act promptly to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
