Testing found two E. coli strains; Family Farmstead recalls one cheddar lot
FDA says Maryland testing found two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Family Farmstead A2 Raw Cheddar samples bearing the 7/22/27 date; one lot of its Raw Mild Cheddar with that code is being recalled in New York and New Jersey.
Family Farmstead Dairy Announces Recall of Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese Due to Potential E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Raw milk cheese recalled after testing finds E. coli | Food Safety News
Family Farmstead Raw Mild Cheddar Recalled For E. coli O157:H7
Symptoms of E. coli Infection | E. coli infection | CDC
Raw Milk | Food Safety | CDC
Check the date on the package
Family Farmstead Dairy of Worcester, New York, announced Oct. 15 that it was recalling a lot of Raw Mild Cheddar because it may contain E. coli O157:H7. The affected cheese came in clear plastic with green, red and white labeling; its lot code and best-by date both read 7/22/27. The cheese was distributed to grocers in New York and New Jersey. No other Family Farmstead Dairy products are included. fda +1
The recall notice reported no illnesses or allergic reactions to date. Consumers who have the cheese should not eat it; the FDA says to discard it or return it to the retailer for a full refund. fda +1
What the test results do—and don't—say
The FDA says a Maryland LFFM sample yielded two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in two samples of Family Farmstead A2 Raw Cheddar, identified as 8-ounce packages dated 7/22/27. The recall listing calls the item Raw Mild Cheddar; its label pairs “Mild” with “Raw Cheddar,” and the lot code and best-by date both match 7/22/27. fda +1
That distinction matters because a positive test can prompt a recall before consumers are known to be sick. CDC says eating products made from raw milk can expose people to E. coli, and pasteurization kills disease-causing germs. Children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness from these germs. cdc
If you bought the cheese
Do not eat it, even if you planned to use it in a cooked dish. Food Poisoning Bulletin advises wrapping or double-bagging the package before disposal and washing hands after handling it; consumers can also return it for a refund. fda +1
CDC says E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps and bloody or watery diarrhea, sometimes with vomiting or fever. Contact a doctor for bloody stool or urine, dehydration, fever above 102°F, or diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening kidney condition. cdc