Cheese recalled over fears of Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria: Full list of cheddar and other products to avoid
Cheese lovers are being urged to check their fridges after multiple cheese products were recalled due to fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause potentially deadly infections. Here’s what you need to know about the cheese recall affecting multiple states.
What’s happened?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a recall notice on its website warning of potential Listeria monocytogenes in several cheese products.
The FDA’s warning was published on September 8, three days after the Ohio-based company behind the cheese announced the recall.
That company is Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op, which produces multiple cheese products. Middlefield initiated the recall after detecting Listeria monocytogenes in some of its finished products as well as on cutting equipment surfaces.
Cheese products covered under this recall were sold under two brand names:
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op
- Sunrise Creamery
The recalled products were produced on two dates: May 30, and August 13 and sold in multiple states between July 7 and August 14.
However, some of the recalled products have “sell-by” dates that extend into 2026, so they may still be sitting in customers’ refrigerators.
What cheese products are being recalled?
According to the notice published on the FDA website, the following cheese products are being recalled:
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Organic Gouda,
8 ounce packages, Sell by date of February 13, 2026 - Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese
5 pound bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of September 3, 2025 - Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Colored (Yellow) Cheddar Cheese,
5 pound loaves (labeled as Smoked Cheddar and All Natural Mild Cheddar),
Sell by date of February 13, 2026
5 pound bags (shredded cheese) (labeled as Shredded Cheddar Cheese),
Sell by date of September 3, 2025 - Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Swiss Cheese
5 pound loaves, Sell by date of February 13, 2026 - Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Pepper Jack Cheese
5 pound loaves (labeled as All Natural Pepper Jack), Sell by date of February 13, 2026
5 pound bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of September 3, 2025 - Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Monterey Jack Cheese,
5 pound loaves, Sell by date of February 13, 2026
5 pound bags (shredded cheese), Sell by date of September 3, 2025 - Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack with Pickles Cheese
6 ounce package (labeled as Dilly Pickle) with lot code 253054,
Sell by date of January 7, 2026, January 11, 2026, or February 16, 2026
1.25 pound package (labeled as Dilly Pickle Jack) with lot code 253054,
Sell by date of December 30, 2025
Where were the recalled cheese products sold?
The recalled products above were reportedly sold in four states, including:
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Texas
- Wisconsin
The recall notice does not list the exact establishments where the recalled cheese was sold, but says the cheese was “sold through distributors, dining halls, and retail stores” between July 7 and August 14.
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness and even death in those who consume it.
Listeria monocytogenes can make anyone sick; however, some groups are more susceptible to worse outcomes—including death—than others. The CDC says individuals particularly at risk from a Listeria monocytogenes infection include:
- Pregnant women and their unborn baby
- Newborn babies
- Adults over the age of 65
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
In pregnant people, Listeria monocytogenes infections can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
Thankfully, as of the time of this writing, there have been no reports of illnesses related to the recalled products.
What should I do if I have the recalled cheese products?
If you have any of the recalled products, the recall notice says you should not consume them. Instead, dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase for a refund. You can read the full recall notice on the FDA’s website.
