RAW FARM-Brand Raw Cheddar Cheese Linked to Nearly a Dozen E. Coli Cases in Four States
The FDA and CDC have identified 10 individuals, so far, who have been infected with E. coli bacteria following consumption of RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese. The recall applies to RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar blocks and shredded cheese, including all sizes of blocks and shredded packages of Original Flavor and of Cheddar with added Jalapeño Flavor. Both flavors have been implicated in the outbreak to date. The recall includes all product within its current shelf-life. These products are sold mostly through Sprouts Farmers Market and Bristol Farms retail outlets.
According to the national food poisoning lawyer Ron Simon, who had filed numerous of E. coli lawsuits in the last 20 years – [and now, in October of 2024, are preparing the E. coli McDonald’s Lawsuit] :
“while limited to Original Flavor and Cheddar with added Jalapeño Flavor, at present, in many instances a recall expands to cover other products made with the same equipment, same assembly-line, or using the same ingredients. I urge patrons to exercise caution when eating any product from RAW FARM until the CDC and FDA determine the outbreak is over.”
RAW FARM, LLC, is a Fresno, CA company. The outbreak, however, impacts consumers in multiple states, with each of the victims testing positive for the same strain of E. coli O157:H7, a form of Shinga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, otherwise known as “STEC.” While nearly half of the victims are Californians, health agencies have also identified victims in Texas, Colorado and Utah. At least four victims have been hospitalized.
STEC Cases Can Be Life Threatening
STEC is dangerous, and often identified (even prior to a proper stool culture) by the telltale sign – copious amounts of blood in the stool. In many victims, dehydration becomes a serious concern, with implications for heart-health. In others, the kidneys suffer acute distress that can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or “HUS”, which can lead to total kidney failure, the need for dialysis, and even require a kidney transplant. In many cases, victims contact an E. coli lawyer to seek compensation for enormous medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. According to Simon, hemolytic uremic syndrome lawsuits are often seven-figure cases due to their severity. At least one of the victims in this Raw Cheddar E. coli Outbreak has been diagnosed with HUS so far.