Wegmans Cheese Listeria Monocytogenes Poisoning Lawsuit Lawyers

Wegmans, Middlefield Original Cheese, and Fromi USA Brie Among Brands Recalled as FDA Warns Consumers About Potentially Deadly Listeria Infections

The safety of food products is something consumers place an enormous amount of trust in, especially when it comes to everyday grocery staples like cheese. Unfortunately, recent announcements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have raised alarm across multiple states. Several brands of cheese, including products sold at Wegmans, Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op, and Fromi USA, have been recalled because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium capable of causing life-threatening infections.

While no illnesses have yet been officially confirmed, the recall affects products sold across many regions in the United States. Consumers who purchased these cheeses may face serious health risks, and those who have already consumed them may require medical attention. The potential consequences of exposure highlight the importance of understanding not only the health risks but also the potential legal claims that may be available to those harmed.

The Details of the Wegmans Recall

On August 12, the FDA announced that Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. was recalling several cheese products due to the possibility of listeria contamination. The recall originated from Estancia Holdings, which supplies Wegmans. The company was alerted by its French supplier that three shipments of cheese might have been contaminated.

The main recalled item was the Wegmans Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese (8.8-ounce size). However, contamination concerns extended into other cheese-based products available in Wegmans’ cheese department, including:

• Wegmans Medium Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese with UPC 77890-53515 and best-by dates 7/26/25, 8/12/25, and 8/19/25
• Wegmans Assorted Cheese Flight (1 pound)
• Wegmans Grilling Camembert with Tapenade & Roasted Tomatoes (10 ounces)
• Wegmans Caramel Apple Pecan Topped Brie Cheese (13 ounces)

These products were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Consumers who purchased these products have been urged not to eat them. Instead, the FDA advises discarding them immediately or returning them to Wegmans for a refund.

The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op Recall

In Ohio, Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalled nearly 250 pounds of cheese after discovering the possibility of listeria contamination. These products were produced on June 16, June 24, and July 16, and were distributed across the state between July 14 and August 7.

The recall covers a wide range of products:

• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese
• Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese
• Middlefield Horseradish Flavored Cheese
• Middlefield Monterey Jack Cheese (8-ounce packages, 5-pound, and 40-pound blocks)
• Farmers Cheese (multiple package sizes, including 40-pound blocks)

The lot codes 251661, 2524061, and 251672 were included in the recall. Like the Wegmans recall, consumers are advised not to consume these cheeses and to either throw them out or return them for a refund.

This recall is especially concerning because Middlefield distributes to both individual consumers and wholesale buyers, meaning the products may have reached restaurants, delis, or catering companies throughout Ohio.

Fromi USA Brie Recall in New York

A third recall came from Fromi USA, which distributes specialty cheeses in New York. The company recalled Brie Royal Faucon due to Listeria contamination risks.

Only 12 cases were identified, but the cheese was sold at Cheese Plate Park Slope LLC in Brooklyn and Cheese Plate Carroll Gardens, making it a direct risk to New York City consumers.

This recall highlights an important issue: when specialty cheeses are cut and wrapped for sale, lot numbers and identifying marks are often removed, leaving consumers with little way to determine if their purchase was part of the affected batch. In this case, any Brie bought from these shops between July 24 and August 13 should not be consumed.

What is Listeria and Why is It Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection that can result in hospitalization or even death. Listeria thrives in cold, refrigerated environments, making soft cheeses a frequent culprit in outbreaks.

Symptoms of listeriosis typically include:

• High fever
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)

For most healthy adults, Listeria may result in flu-like symptoms. However, for vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals, infants, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be catastrophic. Pregnant women face a heightened risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

Even when treated, listeriosis can leave lasting health consequences, including long-term neurological damage in severe cases.

What Consumers Should Do if They Purchased Recalled Cheese

The FDA’s instructions are clear: do not eat the recalled cheese. Consumers should either return the products to the store for a refund or throw them away in a manner that prevents others from accessing them.

Those who have already consumed recalled cheese should monitor their health carefully for symptoms of listeriosis. If any symptoms appear, especially fever or gastrointestinal distress, medical evaluation is critical.

Because Listeria can incubate for weeks, even individuals who do not feel sick immediately after consumption may still be at risk. Medical providers may conduct blood tests to determine if the infection is present and begin treatment with antibiotics if necessary.

Legal Rights of Consumers Harmed by Contaminated Food Products

When contaminated food enters the marketplace, consumers who suffer harm may have strong grounds for legal action. Potential claims in cases involving contaminated cheese products may include:

• Product Liability Claims: Holding manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for allowing contaminated products into the supply chain.
• Negligence Claims: Alleging that companies failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing contamination.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Brought by surviving family members if listeriosis causes a fatal infection.

Compensation in such cases can cover:

• Medical bills and future healthcare costs
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)

These cases also serve a larger purpose — encouraging food producers and retailers to maintain the highest safety standards to prevent outbreaks from happening again.

FAQs: Cheese Recall and Listeria Lawsuits

1. What brands of cheese have been recalled for Listeria?
   The recalls involve Wegmans Medium Camembert and related products, Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op cheeses, and Fromi USA Brie Royal Faucon.
2. What symptoms should I watch for if I ate the recalled cheese?
   Fever, headache, muscle stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common symptoms. High-risk individuals should be especially cautious.
3. How long after eating contaminated cheese can Listeria symptoms appear?
   Symptoms can appear within a few days or may take up to 70 days, which makes monitoring health crucial even weeks after exposure.
4. What should I do if I believe I have listeriosis?
   Seek immediate medical attention. Early antibiotic treatment can prevent severe complications.
5. Do I need to throw away unopened cheese if it matches the recall list?
   Yes. Even unopened products with matching UPC or lot codes should not be consumed.
6. Can I sue if I was hospitalized due to Listeria from recalled cheese?
   Yes. Victims may file lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers under product liability and negligence laws.
7. What compensation might be available in a listeria lawsuit?
   Victims may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term health impacts. Families may also pursue wrongful death claims.
8. Are pregnant women at greater risk from Listeria exposure?
   Yes. Listeria poses a high risk to pregnant women, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infections in newborns.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one became ill after consuming recalled cheese products, you may have legal rights to seek compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm actively investigating cases related to the recent cheese listeria recalls.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.