You probably reach for a wedge of cheddar without thinking twice.
It is one of those fridge staples that just sits there until you need it on a sandwich or a cracker. That is why a recall on a product this ordinary is worth a second look.
Family Farmstead Dairy of Worcester, New York is recalling all of its Raw Mild Cheddar and Raw Sharp Cheddar. The 8-ounce plastic-wrapped portions may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The notice posted on November 10 by the FDA covers all lot codes dated 10/16/27 and earlier.
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The cheese went out through retail stores in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.
If you have one of these packs at home, do not eat it. Return it to the store where you bought it, or call the dairy at (607) 397-4044 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for a refund or more information. No illnesses have been reported so far.
Listeria is treated as a serious health risk
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Healthy adults often get only short-term symptoms, like a high fever, headache, nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea.
But the bacteria can be far more dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65 and anyone with a weakened immune system.
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In pregnant women it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, even when the mother feels only mildly ill.
The CDC estimates about 1,250 Americans are infected with Listeria each year, and 172 die from it. That makes it the fourth leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country.
Raw milk cheese carries extra risk
The recalled products are labeled as raw cheddar, meaning the milk was not pasteurized.
The CDC tells people in higher-risk groups to avoid any cheese made with unpasteurized milk, and to choose pasteurized cheddar, Parmesan or Swiss instead.
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Second Family Farmstead recall in a month
This is the second recall from the dairy in a matter of weeks. On October 15, 2026, Family Farmstead pulled certain raw cheddar products over possible E. coli contamination. Both actions involve the dairy's raw cheddar line.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs of an invasive Listeria infection can take up to two weeks to appear after eating contaminated food.
The CDC lists fever, muscle aches and fatigue as the early signs, with headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures in more serious cases.
Anyone in a higher-risk group who develops these symptoms after eating raw cheddar should contact a doctor.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.