2 min read- A nationwide E. coli outbreak has been linked to Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese products sold across the U.S.
- So far, there have been seven reported infections and two hospitalizations.
- Despite the FDA’s recommendation, Raw Farm has not recalled the cheese, so the products may still be on store shelves.
Cheese lovers, it may be time to take a temporary vow of abstinence. A multistate E. coli outbreak has been linked to Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese, and so far it has resulted in multiple hospitalizations. At this point, there have been seven confirmed infections in California, Florida, and Texas, which genome sequencing suggests likely share a “common source of infection.”
The FDA and CDC are currently investigating the outbreak together. During interviews with those infected, at least three people reported eating Raw Farm cheddar cheese, leading officials to identify it as the likely source. That said, no Raw Farm cheddar products have actually tested positive for E. coli yet. According to the FDA alert, “state partners initiated collection of product samples for testing and analysis, but results are not yet available.”
Unfortunately, even though the FDA recommended that Raw Farm, LLC voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from store shelves, the company declined to do so. That means the products are still being sold nationwide.
So far, this outbreak has led to two hospitalizations. This specific E. coli strain is known to potentially cause serious kidney problems that can require hospitalization and, in severe cases, can become life-threatening. Most of the people affected by this outbreak are also children, which makes the situation even more concerning.
The FDA is advising consumers, retailers, restaurants, and foodservice operators who have purchased Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese products to clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the cheese may have touched. The agency also says anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider right away.