Ohio families face a dangerous threat as over 5,000 pounds of contaminated cheese flood the market, exposing consumers to potentially deadly Listeria bacteria that government regulators failed to catch before widespread distribution.
Story Highlights
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalls over 5,000 pounds of cheese products due to Listeria contamination discovered in production facilities
- Multiple varieties affected including grass-fed pepper jack, horseradish, Monterey Jack, and farmer’s cheese distributed across Ohio
- Environmental contamination migrated to food-contact surfaces despite routine testing protocols
- No illnesses reported yet, but Listeria poses serious risks to elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals
Contamination Spreads Through Production Facility
The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op initiated the recall on August 15, 2025, after discovering Listeria monocytogenes contamination had migrated from environmental sources into food-contact areas within their Ohio production facility. The FDA traced contaminated products back to manufacturing dates between June 16 and June 24, 2025, indicating the dangerous bacteria persisted in the facility for weeks before detection. This environmental spread demonstrates how easily foodborne pathogens can compromise entire production runs when proper sanitation protocols fail.
Massive Distribution Exposes Ohio Consumers
Between July 14-16, 2025, the contaminated cheese products entered Ohio’s retail distribution network, reaching consumers across the state before the recall announcement. The affected products include grass-fed pepper jack cheese, horseradish flavored cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and farmer’s cheese, all bearing specific lot codes that consumers must check immediately. Copia Collective served as a distributor for some varieties, expanding the potential exposure beyond direct Co-Op sales channels.
Regulatory Response Highlights System Failures
The FDA issued safety alerts on August 18-19, 2025, three days after the Co-Op’s initial recall announcement, raising questions about regulatory response timing. While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to develop symptoms, meaning the full impact remains unknown. The incident follows other recent Listeria recalls, including Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions’ freeze-dried fruit recall in July 2025, suggesting broader systemic issues in food safety oversight that put American families at risk.
Food safety experts emphasize that Listeria’s ability to survive in cold, moist environments makes dairy facilities particularly vulnerable to contamination. The pathogen’s resilience allows it to persist on surfaces and equipment, creating ongoing risks for consumers who trust that regulatory oversight protects their food supply. This recall underscores the critical need for enhanced environmental monitoring and rapid response protocols to prevent contaminated products from reaching American dinner tables.
Sources:
Over 5,000 pounds of cheese sold in Ohio recalled due to possible listeria contamination
FDA Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op recall notice
