Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a high-risk recall for various cheese products made by the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op in Ohio due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects cheese sold in Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas and has not resulted in any reported illnesses as of early September.
Key Facts
- The FDA classified the cheese recall as Class I, indicating a significant health risk.
- Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op issued the recall on August 27.
- Affected products include several types of cheese with specific sell-by dates.
- The products were distributed between July 7 and August 14 in four states: Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas.
- The contamination was found during company testing, revealing listeria on both the cheese and cutting equipment.
- Listeria can cause severe health issues, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.
- Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, meningitis.
- No illnesses related to these products have been reported as of September 8.
