Family Farmstead Dairy has announced a recall of all its cheddar cheese products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. The recall was announced on 10 November 2026 and includes the company’s Raw Mild Cheddar and Raw Sharp Cheddar products.

The affected products were distributed through retail stores across 12 US states: New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

Reason for recall

The recall was initiated following concerns about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination in the company’s cheddar cheese products. The action expands the company’s earlier recall, announced on 15 October 2026, involving certain raw cheddar products potentially contaminated with Escherichia coli O26 and O45.

The current recall covers all cheddar cheese products with expiration dates of 16 October 2027 or earlier.

Affected product details

The following products are included in the recall:

1. Raw Mild Cheddar
   • Pack size: 8 oz
   • Packaging: Plastic-wrapped
   • Affected codes: All lot codes with expiration dates of 16 October 2027 and earlier.
2. Raw Sharp Cheddar
   • Pack size: 8 oz
   • Packaging: Plastic-wrapped
   • Affected codes: All lot codes with expiration dates of 16 October 2027 and earlier.

No other Family Farmstead Dairy products are included unless specifically identified by the company.

Health risks

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a foodborne infection that may result in severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, newborns, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals may include fever, severe headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and muscle stiffness. In high-risk individuals, the infection can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract and cause serious complications.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection in newborns.

Consumer advisory

Consumers who have purchased the affected cheddar cheese products are advised not to consume them. They should return the products to the place of purchase for a refund or contact Family Farmstead Dairy directly for assistance.

Consumers should also ensure that potentially contaminated products are not served to others. Any surfaces, utensils or storage areas that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

Company contact

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Family Farmstead Dairy:

• Phone: (607) 397-4044 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)
• Email: customerservice@familyfarmsteaddairy.com

Source: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/family-farmstead-dairy-announces-recall-all-cheddar-cheese-products-because-possible-health-risk