Raw Milk Cheese E. Coli Outbreak Sickens Nearly a Dozen – So Far
The hope, at least, is that the recall will prevent any further injury to consumers of Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese. At least 4 people have now been hospitalized, along with one who has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, that can lead to kidney dialysis and kidney transplantation. It is a very serious condition where the blood cells clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure. Another half dozen sought medical care but avoided hospitalization.
According to the CDC and FDA, along with food safety experts, consumers are encouraged to neither purchase or consume the Raw Farm milk cheddar cheese; to clean all surfaces and areas where the cheese was stored; monitor those who consume it for signs of diarrhea (especially if there is blood in the stool); to seek medical attention and have a stool culture if they suspect infection; and cooperate with the health department if the stool culture comes back positive.
Raw Farm is a California company out of Fresno, and California accounts for the highest number of victims to date. Others are from Texas, Utah, and Colorado. While the official count of Raw Farms E. coli victims remains just under one dozen, the actual number is believed to be much higher as many people are not adequately tested and hence not reported. The victims that have been identified became ill between October 18, 2023 and January 29, 2024.
According to the Food Safety Alert that has been issued, the Raw Brand Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese is sold nation-wide. These are the implicated products
• Raw Cheddar Cheese – Pound Block, barcode 835204000156 with expiration date of November 13, 2023 or older
• Raw Cheddar Cheese – Half Pound Block, barcode 835204001177 with expiration date of November 13, 2023 or older
• Raw Cheddar Cheese – Half Pound Shred, barcode 835204001184 with expiration date of January 16, 2024 or older
