Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op has announced a recall of several cheese products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects 246.5 pounds of 100% Grass-fed Pepper Jack Cheese, 2.5 pounds of Horseradish Flavored Cheese, 640 pounds of Monterey Jack Cheese, and 4,544.5 pounds of White Cheddar Cheese. These products were produced on June 16, June 24, and July 16, 2025, and distributed in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025.
The affected cheeses were shipped to manufacturers and distributors and sold in retail stores throughout Ohio. Specific recalled items include Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op branded cheeses as well as Copia Collective Pepper Jack Cheese and Farmers Cheese with certain lot codes and date codes.
According to the company, "The recall was initiated after product testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products. Production was suspended while the company investigated the source of the contamination which was determined to be from environmental contamination that migrated to food-contact areas of the production process. There have been no reports of illness to date associated with consumption of these products."
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections in young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. The infection can also lead to miscarriages or stillbirths among pregnant women.
Customers are advised to dispose of any affected cheese or return it for a refund at their place of purchase during normal business hours. For questions about the recall, consumers or media can contact Nevin Byler, General Manager at Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op at 440-632-5567 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM EST.
