RECALL ALERT: This Cheddar Could Make You Sick or Worse
The FDA has issued an outbreak alert on a particular type of cheddar cheese across Texas and the US.
The affected cheese has been linked to E. Coli.
UPDATE: March 26, 2024, The CDC has declared this outbreak over and closed the investigation
RAW FARMS - Raw Cheddar in blocks and shredded
The FDA along with the CDC and other state and local partners are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of E. Coli.
What is E. Coli?
According to the CDC, Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
The E. Coli infections have been linked to the RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese. The cheese has been sold at retailers nationwide, but those who have become ill reported buying the cheese at Sprouts Farmer's Markets and Bristol Farms. However, other retailers could have sold the cheese.
A total of 10 confirmed infections have been reported. One of those cases has been reported in Texas. California has had 4 cases, Colorado 3 cases, and Utah has had 2 cases. Out of the 10 cases, 4 have been hospitalized, and one case developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
RAW FARM, LLC is initiating a voluntary recall of the particular lots that could be affected. The Raw Cheddar cheese is still within its shelf life.
The lots of cheese that could be affected:
| Item | Barcode | Product Description | Package Size (oz) | Brand | Batch or Older |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1075 | 835204000156 | Raw Cheddar Cheese - Pound Block | 16 | RAW FARM | 20231113-1 |
| 1050 | 835204001177 | Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Block | 8 | RAW FARM | 20231113-1 |
| 1080 | 835204001184 | Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Shred | 8 | RAW FARM | 20240116 |
If you have this particular cheese in your refrigerators or freezers, you are encouraged to throw the product away. If it is possible that you removed the product from its original package when storing the product, throw away anything you believe to be the RAW FARM Raw Cheddar. You should also clean and sanitize any surfaces that the cheese may have touched.
The RAW CHEDDAR recall is a voluntary recall and this recall does not affect any of their other products. The recall is for the particular raw cheddar with the above information. If you have any questions, please contact their Customer Services at 559-846-9732.
8 USCPSC Product Safety Recalls
FDA Food Recalls for January 2024
Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby
5 Toys Recalled: Possibility of Death and Injury
Gallery Credit: Credit N8