Middlefield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

What’s the Problem?

This issue involves the recall of multiple cheese varieties—including 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack, Horseradish Flavored, Monterey Jack, and White Cheddar—due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The company distributed over 5,433 pounds of these cheeses in various formats (8-oz packages, 5-lb and 40-lb loaves) in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025. While no illnesses have been reported so far, Listeria poses serious risks including miscarriage, sepsis, and meningitis, especially for vulnerable populations.

Although we are not aware of any lawsuits being filed against Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op, we are actively investigating potential claims involving gastrointestinal illness, infection-related hospitalization, and pregnancy complications linked to these cheeses.

Latest Midfield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuit Updates

• August 18, 2025 – The FDA posts Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op’s voluntary recall announcement for multiple cheese products due to potential Listeria contamination [1.].
• August 15, 2025 – Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op confirms distribution of the affected products and suspends production pending investigation.
• July 14 – August 7, 2025 – Distribution window of recalled cheese products in Ohio retail outlets.

Midfield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuit Statistics

Although legal action has not yet commenced and no filings or settlements are public, retail and recall data indicate significant exposure:

• Total recalled weight: approximately 246.5 lbs of Grass-Fed Pepper Jack, 2.5 lbs of Horseradish Flavored, 640 lbs of Monterey Jack, and 4,544.5 lbs of White Cheddar.
• Distribution: limited to Ohio, through retail sales between July 14 and August 7, 2025.
• No injuries or illnesses reported to date.

We will monitor court filings and pursuit of class actions or coordinated litigation as developments unfold.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA’s recall notice explains that contamination occurred due to environmental Listeria infiltration into food-contact surfaces at the Middlefield facility. The recall number and classification were issued on August 18, 2025. Consumers are instructed to return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund or safely dispose of it. The company’s production activities are paused while it addresses the root contamination issue.

Midfield Original Cheese Injuries & Side Effects

Although no confirmed illnesses have been linked to this recall, potential Listeria-related health consequences include:

• Severe infection: high fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea—especially hazardous for elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
• Invasive listeriosis: risk of sepsis, meningitis, and other life-threatening infections in vulnerable populations.
• Pregnancy-related complications: miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or neonatal infection.

Do You Qualify for a Midfield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuit?

• You purchased or consumed any of the recalled cheese products in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025.
• You developed symptoms consistent with Listeria infection following exposure.
• Your condition required medical evaluation, hospital care, or resulted in pregnancy complications.
• You can provide documentation of purchase, consumption, and medical diagnosis or treatment.

Evidence Required for a Midfield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuit

• Product proof: Packaging, photographs of cheese labels or lot codes (e.g., 251661 for Pepper Jack, 2524061 for Horseradish, etc.), or receipts.
• Medical records: Lab reports confirming Listeria infection; doctor’s notes; hospitalization records; fetal/neonatal complications documentation if applicable.
• Timeline: Documentation linking cheese exposure to symptom onset and medical treatment.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses—including hospital stays, treatments, lab testing, and follow-up care.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if illness prevented work.
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
• Special damages for pregnancy-related losses, such as neonatal care or loss of expected child.
• Punitive damages, if gross negligence or reckless production practices are found.

Payouts will depend on evidence strength and injury severity.

Midfield Original Cheese Recall Information

• Recall date: August 18, 2025.
• Products: Grass-Fed Pepper Jack (8 oz, 5 lb, 40 lb, Lot 251661); Horseradish Flavored Cheese (8 oz, Lot 2524061); Monterey Jack (8 oz & 5 lb Lot 251672; 40 lb dated 7-16-25B); White Cheddar (40 lb loaves).
• Distribution: Ohio retail stores, July 14 – August 7, 2025.
• Reason: Listeria contamination in production environment.
• Actions: Return for full refund; production suspended; contact Nevin Byler at Middlefield Co-op for assistance.

Statute of Limitations for Midfield Original Cheese Recall Lawsuits

Foodborne illness claims typically must be filed within one to three years following injury or discovery, depending on state law. Special exceptions like delayed onset or private individuals may apply. Because these deadlines are strict, promptly consulting an attorney is critical to preserve your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my cheese is affected? Look for the specific cheese types and lot codes listed above sold in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025.
2. What should I do if I still have some? Return it to the retailer for a refund or dispose of it safely.
3. What are symptoms of Listeria? Fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or severe complications like infection during pregnancy.
4. What if I feel ill? Seek medical treatment immediately and mention possible Listeria exposure.
5. Do I need lab confirmation? While helpful, you can still consult a lawyer even if testing wasn’t done.
6. Could this become a class action? None has been filed yet, but we’re watching for coordinated legal moves.
7. What documentation should I save? Save medical records, purchase proof, and any product images or lot codes.
8. How long do claims take? Timing varies; some settle quickly, others require more investigation.
9. How do I start? Gather documentation and contact a food safety attorney for a free case review.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/middlefield-original-cheese-co-op-recalls-100-grass-fed-pepper-jack-cheese-and-horseradish-flavored