Class I U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese recall: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

Recall published 1+ years ago

Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

The hazard: Listeria contamination

This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

What the notice says: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

Why it matters: Listeria monocytogenes is unusual among foodborne bacteria because it keeps growing at refrigerator temperature. A contaminated pack does not become safer for sitting in the cold, and it will look, smell and taste completely normal.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Listeriosis is mild or silent in most healthy adults, but it is serious for pregnant people, newborns, adults over 65 and anyone whose immune system is suppressed. The CDC describes intestinal illness as diarrhoea and vomiting, and invasive illness as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. In pregnancy it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or infection in the newborn even when the parent feels only mildly unwell. Symptoms can start within a day or not appear for weeks, so tell any doctor you see that you ate a recalled product and give them the date.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
H-0529-2025
Published
September 3, 2025
Risk level
Class I
Status
Terminated
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative
Product type
Dairy
Units affected
2.5 lbs.
Distribution
Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Made in
United States
Lot / code info
Lot Code: 2524061

Products covered by this recall

Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese, 8 oz. individual units, packaged in plastic with lot code 2524061

Check your product

The notice names 2 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 8 oz
  • 2.5 lbs

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Food & cosmetics enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Listeria

Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative — This is a Listeria recall, so the usual kitchen tests do not apply — the bacteria grow in a cold fridge and leave no smell, no cloudiness and no off taste.

  1. Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.
  2. If anyone in the household is pregnant, over 65 or immunocompromised, call a clinician for advice even if nobody feels ill. That conversation is quick and it is the whole point of a Listeria recall.
  3. Photograph the label, the lot code and the date mark before the pack leaves the house — that picture is what a refund claim runs on.
  4. Throw it out in a sealed bag, or return it to the store. Either is accepted; what matters is that nobody else eats it.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Company contact: Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative — 16942 Kinsman Rd, Middlefield, OH, 44062-9484

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Food & cosmetics enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative dairy recalled?

Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Food & cosmetics enforcement record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not eat it and do not open a sealed pack to inspect it — opening it only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.

Can I get my money back?

A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania.

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