Boss Dairy Farms issued a voluntary recall Tuesday of one retail lot of Charlevoix Cheese Company 8oz Mild Cheddar Cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
The Food and Drug Administration announced the recall in an immediate release statement on Dec. 17, 2025, warning consumers about the health risks associated with the contaminated cheese product. The recall affects a specific retail lot of the 8-ounce mild cheddar cheese sold under the Charlevoix Cheese Company brand.
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. The organism can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that may result in severe illness or death in certain individuals. Pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 and older, and people with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe complications from listeria infections.
The voluntary nature of the recall demonstrates Boss Dairy Farms' commitment to consumer safety and compliance with FDA food safety standards. Companies typically issue voluntary recalls when they discover potential contamination issues during routine testing or quality control processes, allowing them to address problems before widespread distribution occurs.
Listeria contamination in dairy products represents a serious public health concern due to the bacterium's ability to survive and multiply at refrigeration temperatures. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, listeria can continue growing even when cheese products are properly stored in refrigerated conditions, making early detection and recall crucial for preventing illness.
The FDA's immediate release of recall information reflects the agency's priority in quickly notifying consumers about potential health hazards. Food recalls involving listeria contamination typically receive expedited processing due to the severity of possible health outcomes, including meningitis, septicemia, and complications during pregnancy that can result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
Consumers who have purchased the affected Charlevoix Cheese Company 8oz Mild Cheddar Cheese should immediately check their refrigerators and dispose of any products from the recalled lot. The FDA advises against consuming any cheese from the affected batch, even if it appears and smells normal, as listeria contamination may not be detectable through visual or olfactory inspection.
Symptoms of listeriosis typically develop within a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, particularly among high-risk populations, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and cause headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Pregnant women face particular risks from listeria infections, as the bacterium can cross the placental barrier and infect the fetus. Listeriosis during pregnancy may result in premature delivery, low birth weight, or infant death. Pregnant women are approximately 20 times more likely to develop listeriosis compared to the general population.
The cheese industry maintains strict safety protocols to prevent listeria contamination, including regular environmental monitoring, sanitation procedures, and product testing. However, listeria's persistence in food processing environments can sometimes lead to contamination despite preventive measures, making ongoing vigilance essential.
Boss Dairy Farms has not yet released additional details about how the potential contamination was discovered or whether any illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cheese. The company is likely working closely with FDA investigators to determine the source of contamination and implement corrective measures.
Consumers experiencing symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming the recalled cheese should seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers can diagnose listeriosis through blood tests or other laboratory analyses, and early treatment with antibiotics can be effective in reducing the severity of illness.
The recall underscores the importance of food safety monitoring systems that enable rapid identification and removal of potentially contaminated products from the marketplace. Quick action by manufacturers and regulatory agencies helps minimize public exposure to dangerous pathogens and prevents widespread foodborne illness outbreaks.
Retailers selling the affected cheese should remove products from their shelves immediately and provide refunds to customers who purchased the recalled items. The FDA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions related to the recalled cheese to help track potential illness patterns and inform ongoing safety investigations.