New York, NY — Consumers in New York and New Jersey are being urged to check their refrigerators after a dairy company recalled one batch of raw milk cheddar cheese over concerns that it may be contaminated with toxin-producing E. coli bacteria.
Family Farmstead Dairy announced the recall of its Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese after testing identified a potential contamination issue. The recall announcement was shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected cheese carries a best-by date of July 22, 2027 and was distributed to stores in New York and New Jersey. No illnesses or allergic reactions associated with the recalled product had been reported when the company issued its announcement.
Which Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese Has Been Recalled?
The recall involves one specific lot of Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese. According to the company, the affected batch may contain E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Consumers who have purchased the product should check the label and compare its identifying information with the details in the official recall announcement.
The key information released by the company includes:
- Product: Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese
- Brand: Family Farmstead Dairy
- Best-by date: July 22, 2027
- Affected states: New York and New Jersey
- Reason for recall: Potential contamination with toxin-producing E. coli
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The company said no other Family Farmstead Dairy products were affected by this recall.
Consumers should not assume that a product is safe simply because its packaging is intact or its best-by date has not passed. Anyone who believes they have the recalled cheese should avoid eating it until they have followed the recall instructions.
How Was the Possible E. coli Contamination Discovered?
According to Family Farmstead Dairy, the issue came to light after a sample in Maryland identified two strains of toxin-producing E. coli in two samples of the cheddar cheese.
The findings prompted the company to recall the affected batch as a precaution.
The announcement did not report any confirmed illnesses linked to the product at the time of the recall. However, the absence of reported cases does not rule out the possibility of exposure or subsequent illness.
The company also apologized to customers, retail partners and consumers for the inconvenience caused by the recall.
“Product quality is an utmost priority here at Family Farmstead so we are committed to identifying the cause of this issue and taking all necessary corrective actions to ensure the continued safety and quality of our products.”
The company said it was committed to identifying the cause of the problem and taking corrective action to protect product safety and quality.
Why Can E. coli Contamination Be Dangerous?
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, includes many types of bacteria. While some strains are harmless, certain toxin-producing strains can cause serious foodborne infections.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Some infections can cause bloody diarrhea, and symptoms may develop several days after exposure.
Many otherwise healthy adults recover within about a week, but some infections can lead to severe complications.
One particularly serious complication is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can damage red blood cells and reduce the kidneys’ ability to function. In severe cases, HUS can cause kidney failure and become life-threatening.
Young children and older adults are among those at greater risk of serious complications. Anyone experiencing severe or bloody diarrhea, reduced urination or other concerning symptoms after eating potentially contaminated food should seek prompt medical care.
People should not assume that symptoms will resolve on their own, particularly when signs of dehydration or kidney complications appear.
What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Cheese?
Consumers who have the affected Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese should stop eating it immediately.
Check the product label for the July 22, 2027, best-by date and compare the package with the lot information provided in the official recall notice. If the product matches the recall, follow the company’s instructions for returns, refunds or disposal.
Do not serve the cheese to children, older adults or anyone else in the household. Avoid giving it to pets, either.
If the cheese has been opened, take care to prevent it from contaminating other food or food-contact surfaces. Clean any utensils, containers or surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
Anyone who has already eaten the recalled cheese should monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare professional if they become ill. People at increased risk of complications should seek medical advice if they are concerned about possible exposure.
What Consumers Need to Know About the Recall
The recall is limited to one batch of Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese, with distribution reported in New York and New Jersey. The company said no other products from its range were affected.
Although no illnesses had been reported when the announcement was issued, the potential presence of toxin-producing E. coli makes it important for consumers to identify the affected product and avoid eating it.
Consumers should rely on the official FDA recall announcement and the company’s instructions for the complete lot identification details and any additional updates.
Have you purchased Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese recently? Check your refrigerator, share this recall alert with friends and family in New York and New Jersey, and let us know in the comments if you have seen the product in a local store.
