Middlefield company recalling cheese after testing shows Listeria contamination

The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Middlefield, OH, is recalling a variety of its cheeses because testing showed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled products were produced on May 30 and Aug. 13, and distributed in Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas between July 7, 2025 and Aug. 14, 2025. Some of the products have sell by dates reaching into 2026. Products were sold through distributors, dining halls, and retail stores.

The recall affects the following products and with the sell by dates only:

• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Organic Gouda,
  8 oz. packages, Sell by date of 2/13/2026
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese
  5 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Colored (Yellow) Cheddar Cheese,
  5 lb. loaves (labeled as Smoked Cheddar and All Natural Mild Cheddar),
  Sell by date of 2/13/2026
   5 lb. bags (shredded cheese) (labeled as Shredded Cheddar Cheese),
  Sell by date of 9/3/2025
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Swiss Cheese
  5 lb. loaves, Sell by date of 2/13/2026
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Pepper Jack Cheese
  5 lb. loaves (labeled as All Natural Pepper Jack), Sell by date of 2/13/2026
  5 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Monterey Jack Cheese,
  5 lb. loaves, Sell by date of 2/13/2026
  5 lb. bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of 9/3/2025
• Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack with Pickles Cheese
  6 oz. package (labeled as Dilly Pickle) with lot code 253054,
  Sell by date of 1-7-26, 1-11-26, or 2-16-26
  1.25 lb. package (labeled as Dilly Pickle Jack) with lot code 253054,
  Sell by date of 12-30-25

Customers can find the lot code and sell by date for Sunrise Creamery products on the side of each individual package. To view product labels for all of the recalled cheese, click here.

Sell by dates for Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op products can be found on stickers located on each 5 pound loaf or the box for 5 pound bags of shredded cheeses.

The recall was initiated after testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in finished product and on surfaces of cutting equipment. There have been no reports of illness to date associated with consumption of these products.

Any customers with this product in their possession should dispose of it or return it to the retail location during normal business hours for a refund. Consumers or media with questions about the recall may contact the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op General Manager, Nevin Byler, at 440-632-5567.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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