Multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food safety alert Friday regarding a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections.
Ten people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states- California (4), Colorado (3), Utah (2) and Texas (1). Four people have been hospitalized and one person developed hemolytic uretic syndrome (HUS). This is a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.
CDC says the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a voluntary product recall was issued:
On February 15, 2024 Raw Farm was contacted by the FDA and CDC regarding the epidemiological possibility that Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese might have caused some illnesses within a date range of October 18th 2023 and January 31st 2024.
Raw Farm is voluntarily recalling the below date codes of Raw Cheddar Cheese. If you have any of these Raw Cheddar Cheese date codes, please do not consume and return for credit:
They also advise the public not to eat any RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them and to wash items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated cheese using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Businesses are also advised not to sell or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized. Clues that someone is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.