Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Recalls Multiple Cheeses Over Listeria Contamination Scare

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recall: quick summary

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op has issued a recall on seven different cheeses after discovering possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall covers crowd-pleasing favorites like Gouda, Swiss, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella/Provolone, and even the pickle-packed Monterey Jack. These products were distributed across Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas between July and August 2025. Testing revealed traces of Listeria both on cutting equipment and in finished products, though thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. Customers who may have purchased these cheesy delights are urged to return them for a refund or dispose of them safely because nobody wants a side of food poisoning with their grilled cheese.

What happened?

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op, based in Ohio, announced a recall on September 5, 2025, after internal testing revealed Listeria monocytogenes hanging out where it absolutely shouldn’t—on equipment and in finished products. The cheeses, including shredded and loaf formats, were produced between May 30 and August 13, 2025, and sold in four states.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by Date	Issue	States distributed
Middlefield	Organic Gouda	8 oz	N/A	2/13/2026	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Middlefield	Mozzarella/Provolone (shredded)	5 lb	N/A	9/3/2025	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Middlefield	Cheddar (loaves/shredded)	5 lb	N/A	2/13/2026, 9/3/2025	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Middlefield	Swiss	5 lb	N/A	2/13/2026	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Middlefield	Pepper Jack (loaves/shredded)	5 lb	N/A	2/13/2026, 9/3/2025	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Middlefield	Monterey Jack (loaves/shredded)	5 lb	N/A	2/13/2026, 9/3/2025	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX
Sunrise Creamery	Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack	6 oz / 1.25 lb	Lot 253054	Multiple dates 12/30/25 – 2/16/26	Listeria	OH, MN, WI, TX

What caused the issue?

The culprit: Listeria monocytogenes. This microscopic menace can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and—in serious cases—miscarriage or stillbirth.

So far, no illnesses have been reported (a small miracle considering the variety platter of cheeses involved).

Questions you might have

1. Can I eat the cheese if I already cooked it?
   Better not. Listeria laughs in the face of mild heat.
2. Are all Middlefield cheeses recalled?
   Nope, only the listed products and lot codes.
3. I live outside OH, MN, WI, or TX. Am I safe?
   Yes, unless you got sneaky cheese shipments.
4. What’s the deal with pickle cheese?
   Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s recalled too.
5. Will I get sick if I ate it last week?
   Symptoms may take weeks. Contact your doctor if you feel off.
6. How do I know if my package is part of the recall?
   Check the sell-by dates and lot codes listed above.
7. Can I get a refund?
   Yep. Bring it back to the store.
8. Can pets eat the recalled cheese?
   Nope. Listeria doesn’t discriminate.
9. Should I panic?
   No need. Just don’t snack on the recalled blocks.
10. Who do I call with questions?
    General Manager Nevin Byler at 440-632-5567.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the recalled cheese.
• Check the package label for the sell-by date and lot code.
• Return it to the store or throw it away.
• For questions, contact Middlefield at 440-632-5567.

Behind the brand

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op is an Ohio-based cheesemaker known for its Amish-crafted, farm-fresh dairy products. They’ve built a reputation for artisanal quality—but as this recall shows, even heritage creameries need to keep Listeria off the guest list.

Other relevant recalls

• Viva Raw recalls dog and cat food over Salmonella and Listeria contamination
• Sunshine Dairy recalls raw milk over Listeria contamination
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalls pepper jack and horseradish cheese due to possible Listeria contamination
• Fromi USA recalls Brie Royal Faucon 1kg over Listeria contamination risk
• Wegmans recalls Camembert cheese over Listeria risk
• Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions recalls Member’s Mark freeze-dried fruit for Listeria risk

“Food safety isn’t optional; it’s the backbone of trust in the supply chain. Recalls remind us how important it is to get it right every single time.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the delicate balance between artisanal tradition and modern food safety. Contamination scares can erode consumer trust, but they also prompt companies to enhance their testing, sanitation, and traceability measures.

Remember: if you have one of these recalled cheeses, don’t risk it.r Return or toss it.

At Source86, we help brands source bulk ingredients, strengthen supply chain excellence, and build food safety into every step because great cheese should only bring smiles, not side effects.

Explore Source86’s bulk ingredients, private label services, and food safety expertise today. Contact us!