Consumers in New York and New Jersey are being warned not to eat affected raw milk cheddar cheese after testing identified potentially dangerous E. coli bacteria.
Family Farmstead Dairy of Worcester, New York, has recalled certain batches of its raw milk cheddar cheese due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, a strain associated with serious foodborne illness. The affected product was distributed to grocery stores in New York and New Jersey.
The recall was announced after laboratory testing of samples identified Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). According to the recall notice, no illnesses or allergic reactions had been reported at the time of the announcement.
Consumers should check their refrigerators for the following product details:
The issue came to light after a sample collected through LFFM testing in Maryland reportedly identified two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in two samples of Family Farmstead A2 Raw Cheddar sold in 8-ounce packages.
Consumers should carefully compare the product name, lot code and date on their packaging with the recall information.
E. coli O157 is a potentially dangerous foodborne pathogen that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Some strains produce Shiga toxins, which can damage the lining of blood vessels and lead to serious complications.
Raw milk cheeses warrant particular attention because they are made without the pathogen-reduction step provided by pasteurization. Contamination can occur during milk production or processing, and certain pathogens may survive in cheese depending on its characteristics and production conditions.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection commonly include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Some people also develop a fever. Symptoms can resemble other illnesses, making medical evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing important.
Although many people recover within five to seven days, some infections can become severe, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
One of the most serious complications associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause acute kidney failure.
Warning signs may include:
HUS requires immediate medical attention and may lead to long-term kidney damage, neurological complications or death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care.
People who have eaten the recalled cheese and subsequently develop symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection should contact a healthcare professional and mention their possible exposure. They should not attempt to self-diagnose the illness.
Consumers who purchased the affected Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese should:
The absence of reported illnesses at the time of the announcement does not establish that the product is safe to consume.
This recall highlights the food safety risks associated with potential pathogen contamination in raw milk dairy products. Because E. coli O157 can cause severe illness and may lead to life-threatening complications, consumers should take recall warnings seriously and avoid consuming the affected cheese.
Consumers in New York and New Jersey should check their refrigerators and act promptly if they have purchased the recalled product.