Cheese Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Cheese Recall Lawsuit Overview

The Karoun Dairies cheese recall lawsuit involves multiple cases of listeria monocytogenes contamination linked to various soft cheese products.

Plaintiffs allege the manufacturer failed to maintain proper safety standards, resulting in contaminated products reaching consumers.

At least 24 people across 9 states were infected, with one reported death in Ohio. The CDC has confirmed the link between these illnesses and Karoun Dairies products following extensive investigations.

Latest Cheese Recall Lawsuit Updates

Legal proceedings continue against Karoun Dairies for their recalled cheese products linked to listeria infections:

• March 2025 – Defendants have filed a motion for dismissal, but the court has not yet granted this request as investigations into the contamination source continue.
• September 2015 – Karoun Dairies stopped production and issued a nationwide recall for multiple cheese brands after CDC confirmed the link between their products and 24 listeria cases across 9 states.
• August 2010 to Present – The CDC has documented 24 cases of listeria infection across 9 states linked to soft cheeses, with 22 hospitalizations and one death reported in Ohio.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the following statistics regarding the Karoun Dairies cheese recall [1]:

• 24 confirmed cases of listeria infection across 9 states
• 22 people required hospitalization (91.7% hospitalization rate)
• 5 cases were pregnancy-related, with 1 resulting in fetal loss
• 1 death confirmed in Ohio
• Cases reported in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Washington, and Ohio
• Nearly two-thirds of those affected were of Middle Eastern or Eastern European descent

Cheese Recall Injuries & Side Effects

Listeria monocytogenes infection from contaminated cheese can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

• Common Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea
• Nervous System Complications: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns
• Severe Cases: Septicemia, meningitis, encephalitis, and death

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may take as little as a few days up to several months to appear after consuming contaminated food [2].

Do You Qualify for a Cheese Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Karoun Dairies cheese recall lawsuit if:

• You consumed cheese products manufactured by Karoun Dairies between August 2010 and September 2015
• You were diagnosed with listeria infection within the appropriate timeframe after consumption
• You required medical treatment or hospitalization for your symptoms
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to listeria infection
• You purchased or consumed cheese under the affected brand names: Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, or Yanni

Evidence Required for a Cheese Recall Lawsuit

To strengthen your case against Karoun Dairies, you should gather:

• Medical records confirming listeria diagnosis
• Proof of purchase for the recalled cheese products
• Documentation of expenses related to medical treatment
• Records of lost wages or income due to illness

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of listeria poisoning from recalled cheese products may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• In cases of death, compensation for wrongful death and funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven

Cheese Recall Information

Following the CDC investigation linking Karoun Dairies’ products to multiple listeria cases, the company issued a nationwide recall affecting:

• Recalled Brands: Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni
• Product Types: Various soft cheese products including Middle Eastern and European style cheeses
• Recall Date: September 2015
• Distribution: Products were distributed nationwide to retailers and specialty food stores

Statute of Limitations for Cheese Recall Lawsuits

The timeframe to file a listeria food poisoning lawsuit varies by state. In most jurisdictions, you must file within:

• 1-3 years from the date of injury diagnosis for personal injury claims
• 2-4 years for product liability claims
• 1-3 years for wrongful death claims, typically starting from the date of death

Due to these varying deadlines, it’s crucial to consult with a food poisoning attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.

Related Articles:

• Old Europe Cheese Recall Lawsuit
• Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese Recall Lawsuit
• Wicklow Cheese Lawsuit

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Brands of Cheese Were Included in the Karoun Dairies Recall?

The nationwide recall included cheeses sold under six brand names: Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni. The recall specifically targeted soft cheeses after the CDC linked these products to 24 listeria cases across nine states, resulting in 22 hospitalizations and one death.

2. How Long Does It Take for Listeria Symptoms to Appear After Eating Contaminated Cheese?

Listeria symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to several months after consuming contaminated food. According to medical experts, the typical incubation period ranges from 1-4 weeks. This extended timeline often makes it challenging to trace the source of infection, which highlights the importance of preserving purchase records.

3. Who Is Most at Risk for Serious Complications from Listeria Infection?

Pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe listeria complications. Pregnant women are approximately 10 times more likely to develop listeria infection, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns, as evidenced by the pregnancy-related cases in this outbreak.

4. What Compensation Can I Recover in a Cheese Recall Lawsuit?

Victims of listeria poisoning from recalled cheese may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term health complications. In cases involving death or fetal loss, families may pursue wrongful death compensation. The exact amount depends on factors including severity of illness, medical costs, and long-term health impacts.

5. How Do I Prove My Illness Was Caused by Recalled Cheese?

To establish causation, you’ll need medical documentation confirming listeria diagnosis, proof of purchase of the recalled product, and evidence linking your infection timeline to consumption. Laboratory tests showing your infection matches the outbreak strain significantly strengthen your case. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish this crucial causation element.

6. Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit Against Karoun Dairies?

While there is currently no class action against Karoun Dairies, you may file an individual lawsuit seeking compensation for your specific damages. Food poisoning cases are typically handled as individual claims rather than class actions due to the varying severity of symptoms and damages among victims. Our firm can evaluate your case and recommend the most appropriate legal strategy.

7. What Is the Average Settlement for a Listeria Food Poisoning Case?

Settlements in listeria cases range from $50,000 to over $1 million depending on severity. Factors affecting settlement amounts include hospitalization duration, permanent health effects, lost income, and whether death occurred. Cases involving pregnant women who suffered miscarriage or fetal loss typically receive higher compensation amounts.

8. How Long Will My Cheese Recall Lawsuit Take to Resolve?

Most food poisoning lawsuits resolve within 1-2 years, though complex cases may take longer. Factors affecting timeline include case complexity, number of plaintiffs, defendant cooperation, and court scheduling. Many cases settle before trial, which can expedite resolution, but our team prepares every case thoroughly as if it will proceed to court.

Get A Free Cheese Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for illnesses related to the Karoun Dairies cheese recall. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file your claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation by delaying.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or legal fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Nationwide representation for food poisoning victims

References:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/soft-cheeses-09-15/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269