Cheddar Cheese Recall As Warning Issued Over Potential Illness

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of Raw Farm cheddar cheese products after several people fell ill.

Two cheddar cheese blocks and one shredded cheese product have been voluntarily recalled by Raw Farm after illnesses were reported between October 18, 2023, and January 31, 2024. The following products are included in the FDA warning:

• Raw Cheddar Cheese—Pound block, barcode 835204000156
• Raw Cheddar Cheese—Half-pound block, barcode 835204001177
• Raw Cheddar Cheese—Half-pound shred, barcode 835204001184

All affected batches are reported to be "older than" January 16, 2024. Any of the above listed products that are currently on sale or bought after this date are not subject to the recall.

The products come in clear and opaque packaging with a white label and black lettering. It also has a drawn picture of two cows in a field at the base.

The cheeses were sold at retailers nationwide, with current reported illnesses happening after purchasing the products from Sprouts Farmers Market and Bristol Farms outlets. According to the FDA report, 10 people have fallen ill. No deaths have been reported.

Raw Farm said in a statement posted on the FDA website: "No product samples consumed by consumers or products available for sale have tested positive for E.Coli 0157:H7. This recall is in abundance of caution strictly based on fecal samples."

In a statement made to Newsweek, Raw Farm reiterated that its products had not tested positive for E.coli. It said: "We issued this Voluntary Recall in an abundance of caution and in cooperation with FDA/CDC based on PulseNet data, not product testing or direct connection with consumer illness. Some of the ill patients reported not consuming raw cheddar cheese. Consumer health and safety is our highest priority."

Illnesses have reported in California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah. California has the most cases, with four people. Three have occurred in Colorado, two in Utah and one in Texas.

The FDA said in its investigation report that "whole genome sequencing analysis of E. coli isolates from ill people shows that they are all closely related genetically to each other. This means that people in this outbreak are likely to share a common source of infection."

Of those who have fallen ill and were interviewed by state and local public-health officials, six out eight people (75 percent) reported eating cheddar made by Raw Farm.

Anyone who has purchased the product is encouraged to throw it away or return it to the place of purchase "for credit."

The FDA has said the investigation into how the product potentially became contaminated is ongoing.

E. coli infections can produce a range of unpleasant symptoms, including painful stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Anyone who suspects they have contracted E. coli should contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms, the FDA advises.

Update 2/19/24, 5:42 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Raw Farm.