Middlefield Original recalls cheese due to contamination

USA – Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op has recalled 100% grass-fed pepper jack cheese and horseradish-flavoured cheese due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The company is recalling 246.5 Lbs. of 100% Grass-fed Pepper Jack Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, 5 lb. loaves and 40 lb. loaves, 2.5 Lbs. of Horseradish Flavored Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, 640 Lbs. of Monterey Jack Cheese sold in 8 oz. packages, 5 lb. loaves and 40 lb. loaves because of potential contamination.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products were produced on June 16, 2025, June 24, 2025, and July 16th, and distributed in the state of Ohio between July 14, 2025 and August 7, 2025. Products were shipped to manufacturers and distributors, and sold in retail stores.

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.

The news follows the French authorities’ recall of cheeses linked to two fatal Listeria cases.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity, and Family Affairs of the Republic, the company Chavegrand, in collaboration with the authorities, is conducting a recall of all batches of cheese produced before June 23, 2025.

The ministry specified that cases of listeriosis have been predominantly recorded since early June 2025, with the ages of those affected ranging from 34 to 95 years.

The recall involves “soft cheeses with a white mold rind, made from pasteurized cow’s or goat’s milk.” These cheeses were sold throughout France and abroad under various brand names until August 9, 2025.

The affected batches, sold under various brands in France and abroad, include products such as camembert, brie, gorgonzola and goat cheese, mainly from the brands Le Berger, Le Lion un fromage royal, Saveur d’antan and Le Petit Grignoteur, Le Monde reported.

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