Family Farmstead Dairy is recalling all of its cheddar cheese products over possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the recall notice on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The recall covers 8-ounce, plastic-wrapped packages of Raw Mild Cheddar and Raw Sharp Cheddar sold under the Family Farmstead brand. All lot codes dated Oct. 16, 2027, and earlier are affected. No other Family Farmstead Dairy products are included, the notice states.

The products were distributed through retail stores in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee. The notice does not name specific retailers.

Health risks

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the recall notice states. Healthy individuals may experience high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The FDA's Listeria information page identifies pregnant women, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems as high-risk groups. The invasive form of listeriosis can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. In pregnant women, the infection can also lead to premature delivery or a life-threatening infection of the newborn.

The bacteria can survive and grow under refrigeration. Anyone who suspects symptoms should contact a health care provider.

Follows earlier E. coli recall

The recall follows a separate action on Oct. 15 by the same Worcester, New York, company. That earlier recall covered a specific lot of Raw Mild Cheddar cheese because of potential contamination with E. coli O26 and O45, according to a separate FDA notice. It covered one lot code (7/22/27) and was distributed to grocers in seven named states, though the company said it may also have reached other states through downstream distributors. The company reported no illnesses tied to the E. coli recall at the time of that notice.

The broader Listeria recall covers all cheddar products and a wider list of 12 states.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the affected cheese can return it to the place of purchase or contact Family Farmstead Dairy at 607-397-4044, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by email at [email protected].