The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op, based in Middlefield, Ohio, has issued a recall for several cheese products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products include Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack Cheese with Dill Pickles in 6 oz. and 1.25 lb. packages, Organic Gouda Cheese in 8 oz. packages, and specific lots of Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Swiss Cheese, and Monterey Jack Cheese packaged as 5 lb. loaves or shredded bags.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious infections in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea for a short period of time, the infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled cheeses were produced on May 30th and August 13th of this year and distributed between July 7 and August 14 in Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas through distributors, dining halls and retail stores.
Specific products included in the recall are:
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Organic Gouda (8 oz., sell by date: 2/13/2026)
- Mozzarella/Provolone (5 lb. shredded bags; sell by date: 9/3/2025)
- Colored (Yellow) Cheddar (5 lb. loaves labeled as Smoked Cheddar or All Natural Mild Cheddar; sell by date: 2/13/2026; also shredded cheddar with sell by date: 9/3/2025)
- Swiss (5 lb. loaves; sell by date: 2/13/2026)
- Pepper Jack (5 lb. loaves labeled All Natural Pepper Jack; sell by date: 2/13/2026; also shredded cheese with sell by date: 9/3/2025)
- Monterey Jack (5 lb. loaves; sell by date: 2/13/2026; also shredded cheese with sell by date: 9/3/2025)
- Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack with Pickles (6 oz., lot code 253054; sell by dates: 1-7-26, 1-11-26 or 2-16-26; also a 1.25 lb package labeled Dilly Pickle Jack with lot code 253054 and a sell by date of 12-30-25)
Customers can find the lot code and "sell by" dates on the side of each individual Sunrise Creamery package or on stickers located on each loaf or box for Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op products.
According to the company’s statement: "The recall was initiated after testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in finished product and on surfaces of cutting equipment." The company added that there have been no reports of illness associated with these products so far.
Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled items are advised to dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase during normal business hours for a refund.
For questions about the recall, customers can contact Nevin Byler at Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op at 440-632-5567 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM EST.
Further details are available via the FDA’s safety page.
