The U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned its highest risk classification to a recall involving more than 29,200 pounds of cheese produced by Clover Hill Dairy in Maryland. The agency announced the update on August 5, 2026, after determining that the recalled products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious health problems.
The recall originally began on June 9 and was later expanded on June 19 to include additional varieties and flavor combinations. According to the FDA, the affected cheese products were distributed in Maryland, New York, and Virginia through both retail channels and bulk distribution.
A Class I recall represents the highest level used by the FDA for food safety incidents. The classification indicates that regulators believe there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the affected product could lead to serious health consequences or death.
The agency’s update identifies contamination with Listeria monocytogenes as the reason behind the recall. The bacteria can survive in food production environments and may pose a greater health risk for certain groups, including older adults, pregnant individuals, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
Dozens Of Cheese Varieties Included In The Recall
The recall affects a wide range of products made by Clover Hill Dairy, including cheddar varieties, ricotta, cuajada products, snack portions, flavored cheeses, and specialty items. All listed products carry the lot or production code AA051526.
Among the recalled items are Soft Ricotta, available plain or with jalapeños, and several types of Smoked Pepper Cheese. The recall also includes multiple forms of Soft Cuajada, including brined products, vacuum-sealed products, and crumb versions.
Additional recalled products include Mild Cheese varieties such as Yummy Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Colby, Monterey Jack, and Marble Jack. The recall also covers Sharp Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Smoked Cheddar Cheese, and flavored products such as Horseradish Cheese and Old Bay Cheddar.
The affected packaging sizes vary widely, ranging from small retail packages to large bulk containers used by food service operations. The FDA recall notice lists individual recall codes from H-1199-2026 through H-1216-2026 for the different product categories.
FDA Advises Consumers And Businesses To Check Recalled Products
The FDA recommends that consumers who purchased the affected cheese products verify the production code and avoid using any items included in the recall. Retailers, distributors, and food service operators that may have received the products are also advised to review their inventory and follow recall procedures.
Because the recalled cheese was distributed across multiple states, the recall affects more than a single local market. The variety of products involved means consumers may encounter the recalled items under different names and packaging formats.
Food safety officials use recall classifications to communicate the potential severity of an incident. A Class I designation does not mean every person exposed will experience illness, but it signals that regulators consider the possible consequences significant enough to require immediate action.
The FDA continues to monitor food recalls and provides public updates through its official recall database. Consumers looking for verified information should rely on agency announcements and product details rather than unofficial reports.
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Listeria Concerns Continue To Drive Food Safety Recalls
Listeria monocytogenes remains one of the pathogens frequently monitored by food safety authorities because it can persist in processing environments and contaminate ready-to-eat foods. Dairy products are among the categories regularly inspected for possible contamination risks.
The Clover Hill Dairy recall shows how a single production issue can involve a large number of products when manufacturers produce multiple flavors, package sizes, and product lines using shared facilities.
The FDA’s latest update provides additional details for consumers trying to identify whether they have purchased affected products. The agency’s recall information remains the primary reference for checking the scope of the incident and the products involved.
As food safety investigations continue, retailers and consumers are encouraged to remain attentive to recall notices and follow official guidance from regulatory authorities.
