A recall of raw cheddar cheese first initiated in February by Fresno, California-based Raw Farm LLC is still ongoing, according to reports published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall is due to the potential presence of E. coli, a bacterium with the potential to be fatal.
Background
The recall was first announced by Raw Farm LLC on February 16, 2024 and published by the FDA the following day. The contaminated products led to a multi-state E. coli outbreak in several states and subsequent FDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigation with state and local partners.
Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese was determined to be the likely cause of the outbreak. Eleven illnesses across five states were reported with five hospitalizations. Two of the victims developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare condition that can lead to kidney failure. Fortunately, no deaths linked to the outbreak were reported.
On March 26, the CDC announced that the outbreak was over but as of this writing, the recall of contaminated products remains open and ongoing with more item specific information now available.
The recalled products were distributed to retailers and distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas.
Product Details
- Raw cheddar cheese made from unpasteurized milk
| Size | Item | Barcode | Batch |
| 8 oz block | 1050 | 835204001177 | 20231113-1 or older |
| 16 oz block | 1075 | 835204000156 | 20231113-1 or older |
| 8 oz shredded | 1080 | 835204001184 | 20240116 or older |
Consumer Action
Although the affected products are no longer available for sale, consumers may still have the contaminated cheese in their freezers.
As with all recalled food products, consumers are strongly advised to not consume any affected items, even if they look or smell safe to it.
The affected cheese products should be immediately discarded or returned to place of purchase.
Health Risks
E. coli is a bacterium with the potential to be fatal, inducing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue from dehydration that appear three to four days after the initial infection, though in some cases, symptoms don’t appear for over a week.
Although unpleasant, most symptoms subside within a week. In extreme cases, individuals experience hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly complication that shuts down the kidneys and other vital organs. Symptoms of HUS include less frequent urination, loss of color in the cheeks and inner eyelids, and extreme fatigue. Anyone showing one or more of these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety lawyer said, “Although the CDC declared the outbreak to be over in March, E. coli is likely still present in any surviving contaminated products. I recommend that any consumer who finds the recalled raw cheese in their homes dispose of it immediately.”
