CRANBURY, NJ—A New Jersey-based cheese manufacturer has been identified as the source of an E. coli outbreak in the United States.
The FDA and CDC, alongside state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. Based on interviews with affected individuals, the agencies advise against consuming, selling, or serving RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese produced by RAW FARM, LLC. Nearly all affected persons reported consuming the implicated cheese, pointing to it as the outbreak’s probable source.
That company claims the CDC report is inaccurate, but the CDC still shows an active recall.
The company said on its Facebook page that the claims against the company are unfounded and has rescinded its recall.
As of February 28, eleven cases have been reported across five states, leading to five hospitalizations and two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition potentially resulting in kidney failure. Despite the absence of E. coli in product samples, the cheese remains the likely outbreak source, with genetic analysis supporting a common infection origin, the two federal health agencies report.
RAW FARM, LLC, initiated a recall of specific Raw Cheddar cheese lots on February 16, only to withdraw it on February 26. The FDA continues its investigation, promising updates on consumer safety information as they emerge.
On the company’s Facebook page, supporters claim the FDA and CDC are targeting the company because it sells ‘raw’ dairy products. Both agencies have published multiple safety bulletins advising consumers against the use of raw milk-based products.
“Anyone, even healthy adults, can get sick from drinking raw milk, but some people are more at risk. Also, raw milk and raw milk products like soft cheese can be contaminated with Listeria. Getting a Listeria infection while you are pregnant can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of your newborn,” the CDC said.
Raw milk refers to a process where milk-based products are not pasteurized during the manufacturing process.