An urgent food safety alert has rocked Ohio as health officials announce a major recall of cheese products from Middlefield Farms. The recall comes after routine testing detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness.
The affected products, sold under both the Middlefield Farms and Outback Farms brands, were distributed across multiple states and available in various retail locations. Consumers are being urged to immediately check their refrigerators for any of the contaminated items.
Affected Products and Identification
The recall includes specific batches of shredded and chunk cheeses with particular best-by dates ranging from December 2024 through January 2025. The products can be identified by their distinctive packaging and lot codes, which health authorities have published in detailed recall notices.
Understanding the Listeria Threat
Listeria monocytogenes poses a particular threat to vulnerable populations. While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, the infection can be severe—and even fatal—for:
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- Young children
- The elderly
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The incubation period can be particularly long, making diagnosis challenging.
What Consumers Should Do
Health officials recommend that consumers who have purchased any of the affected products should:
- Immediately dispose of the cheese or return it to the place of purchase
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that may have contacted the product
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if concerns arise
Retailers have been instructed to remove the products from shelves immediately. The Ohio Department of Agriculture continues to work with federal food safety agencies to monitor the situation and ensure all contaminated products are removed from the supply chain.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance and the critical role of regulatory testing in protecting public health.
