The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of four cheeses produced by Washington-based Twin Sisters Creamery. The affected varieties—Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed, may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and E. coli O103. The recall was prompted after third-party testing and confirmatory analysis by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) detected the presence of these pathogens. So far, three infections linked to E. coli O103 have been reported in Oregon and Washington.
Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse (Item #28855, #29608)
5–6 oz half-moon-shaped pieces in clear wrap
Distributed by Peterson Company to retailers, caterers, and restaurants in CO, ID, OR, WA between Aug 14–Oct 24, 2025
Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, Mustard Seed
2.5 lb cheese wheels
Shipped directly by Twin Sisters Creamery to distributors in OR and WA between Jul 27–Oct 22, 2025
May have been repacked or sold under different lot numbers
Health Risks Associated with the Contamination:
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and E. coli O103 are dangerous bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms typically develop within one to ten days after exposure and include abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)—a serious condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and acute kidney failure. HUS can be life-threatening, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Those infected may require hospitalization and, in rare cases, long-term dialysis or other kidney support.
Advice to Consumers:
The FDA warns that while these products should no longer be available for sale, they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Anyone who has purchased the affected cheeses should not consume them and should discard the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. It is also essential to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the cheese to prevent cross-contamination.
Consumers who experience symptoms of E. coli infection are urged to seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers can perform diagnostic tests to confirm infection and manage symptoms effectively.
Contact Information:
For additional questions or clarification, consumers can contact Twin Sisters Creamery at 360-656-5240 (Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) or Peterson Company at (800) 735-0313, extension 2101.
Further details, including affected batch codes and product images, are available on the FDA’s official recall page.
Source: FDA Website