# Major Recall Alert: Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative Products Recalled Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
A significant food safety recall has been issued in the United States that all cheese lovers need to know about. Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative has recalled two of its popular cheese products – *Monterey Jack* and *Provolone* – due to concerns over possible contamination with **Listeria monocytogenes**. Listeria is a serious foodborne pathogen that can cause severe illness, making this issue a pressing concern for consumers nationwide. Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
## Why This Recall is Important
Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially harmful bacterium that poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Consuming products contaminated with Listeria can lead to **listeriosis**, a potentially life-threatening infection.
Symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Severe complications such as meningitis or miscarriages in high-risk individuals
Prompt action is critical to prevent infection. If you have purchased either of the affected products, it’s essential to stop using them immediately.
## Details of the Recall
Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative has voluntarily recalled the following products out of an abundance of caution:
- **Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative Monterey Jack Cheese**
- Weight: 5 lbs per loaf
- Packaging: Loaves wrapped in plastic, with 8 loaves per case
- **Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative Provolone Cheese**
- Weight: 5 lbs per loaf
- Packaging: Loaves wrapped in plastic, with 2 loaves per case
Both products are subject to this recall due to the **potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes**. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, the recall has been initiated as a preventive measure to ensure consumer safety.
### Safety Notice
The company is reaching out to distributors and consumers through multiple channels, including:
- Emails
- Faxes
- Letters
- Press releases
- Telephone calls
- Personal visits
If you own any of the products mentioned, it’s critical not to consume them. Instead, follow the instructions outlined below.
## What You Should Do
To protect your health and the health of your loved ones:
1. **Check your refrigerator and freezer** for the affected products.
2. **Do not consume** the recalled cheese products, even if they appear safe to eat.
3. **Dispose of the products properly** or return them to the retailer where they were purchased for a full refund.
4. If you have already consumed the products and experience any symptoms of listeriosis, **contact your doctor immediately**.
5. If you’re a distributor or retailer of these products, cease sales and follow the company’s guidelines for handling the recall.
For any questions or concerns, reach out directly to Middlefield Original Cheese Cooperative using the contact methods provided in their communications.
## Stay Safe – Get Instant Recall Alerts
Food recalls happen more often than you might expect, and missing such essential information could put your health at risk. Stay informed about product recalls by downloading a trusted recall alert app today. Get notified instantly about safety warnings, so you can act quickly to keep your family safe.
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To ensure you're always informed about the latest recalls, make sure to follow updates on trusted platforms and share this information with family, friends, and neighbors who may have purchased these products. Together, we can help prevent unnecessary risks related to foodborne illnesses.
Stay safe, stay informed, and prioritize health above all else.