- Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
- 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.
- No product samples consumed by consumers or products available for sale have tested positive for E.Coli 0157:H7.
- Raw Farm, of Fresno CA is voluntarily recalling selected date codes of Raw Cheddar Cheese.
Because raw milk cheese is not pasteurized, the heat step is not present that would eliminate pathogens such as E. coli STEC. Rather, aging along the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are counted on.
Biological control of pathogens in artisanal cheeses - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958694623000316
From the Raw Farm website ( https://rawfarmusa.com/)
TESTED.We are deeply committed to the safe production of high-quality raw dairy products. We proudly meet and EXCEED all required California state testing and #dodairydifferent with our unique Test & Hold Protocol that tests for pathogens.
Of course testing your way to safety is not full proof.
CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/raw-milk-cheese-2-24/index.html
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese
Posted February 16, 2024
Fast Facts
Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
States: 4
Recall: Yes
Investigation status: Active
Contaminated Food
RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese
Flavors include original and jalapeno
All sizes of blocks and shredded packages
Sold nationwide
Raw Farm LLC has agreed to recall products and is working with FDA
February 16, 2024
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.
Epidemiologic data show that RAW FARM brand raw milk cheese is making people in this outbreak sick.
Epidemiologic Data
As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024 (see timeline). Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
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. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (“n” is the number of people with information available for each demographic).
Demographics InformationTable of demographic information (n is the number of people with information available)
Age (n=10) Range from 2 to 58 years Median age of 24 years
Sex (n=10) 30% female 70% male
Race (n=7) 86% White 14% Asian
Ethnicity (n=7) 100% non-Hispanic 0% Hispanic
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. This percentage was significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating any raw milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
Laboratory and Traceback Data
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).
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.
Public Health Actions
CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-february-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (February 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Current Update
February 16, 2024
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC, of Fresno, CA.
As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 confirmed infections have been reported from four states, including CA (4), CO (3), TX (1), and UT (2). 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. Four patients have been hospitalized; one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
State and local public health officials have interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they became ill. Six (75%) ill people reported consuming RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese. Epidemiologic evidence shows that RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC are the likely source of this outbreak.
In response to this investigation, RAW FARM, LLC has agreed to initiate a recall of certain lots of RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese currently within shelf life. FDA is continuing to work with the firm to remove additional product from the market.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/raw-cheddar-cheese-voluntary-product-recall
Raw Cheddar Cheese - Voluntary Product Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: February 16, 2024
FDA Publish Date: February 17, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential contamination with E. Coli 0157:H7
Company Name: Raw Farms LLC
Brand Name: Raw Farms LLC
Product Description: Raw Cheddar Cheese
Company Announcement
Affected Product: ONLY Cheese block older than batch 20231113-1 and Shred older than 20240116
Voluntary Recall - E. Coli 0157:H7 STEC - RAW FARM 2024-2-16
Item Barcode Product Description Package Size (oz) Brand Batch or Older
1075 835204000156 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Pound Block 16 RAW FARM 20231113-1
1050 835204001177 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Block 8 RAW FARM 20231113-1
1080 835204001184 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Shred 8 RAW FARM 20240116
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 31 st 2024. During this period, there were ten fecal samples collected from patients in 4 states that appeared to match one another in the National PULSENET database. Some of these patients did not report consumption of any Raw Farm cheddar cheese or other raw dairy products. In full cooperation and collaboration with the CDC and FDA, Raw Farm is voluntarily recalling the above 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.
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 submitted to PULSENET.
Product en-route for delivery, being delivered now, and in the future is not affected by this Voluntary Recall. Only product on the retail shelf, which should have a date code of 20231113-1 or older should be ;:recalled. Shredded cheese with date 20240116 or older should be recalled.
This recall is VOLUNTARY and does not affect any products other than raw cheddar cheese with these specific date codes. For more information, please contact Customer Service at 559-846-9732 or email josh.l@rawfarmusa.com or aaron.m@rawfarmusa.com.
CDC Outbreak Advisory
FDA Outbreak Investigation
Laboratory and Traceback Data
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).
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.
Public Health Actions
CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.
FDA Outbreak Investigation
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-february-2024
Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (February 2024)
Do not eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Current Update
February 16, 2024
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC, of Fresno, CA.
As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 confirmed infections have been reported from four states, including CA (4), CO (3), TX (1), and UT (2). 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. Four patients have been hospitalized; one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
State and local public health officials have interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they became ill. Six (75%) ill people reported consuming RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese. Epidemiologic evidence shows that RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC are the likely source of this outbreak.
In response to this investigation, RAW FARM, LLC has agreed to initiate a recall of certain lots of RAW FARM- brand Raw Cheddar cheese currently within shelf life. FDA is continuing to work with the firm to remove additional product from the market.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/raw-cheddar-cheese-voluntary-product-recall
Raw Cheddar Cheese - Voluntary Product Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: February 16, 2024
FDA Publish Date: February 17, 2024
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential contamination with E. Coli 0157:H7
Company Name: Raw Farms LLC
Brand Name: Raw Farms LLC
Product Description: Raw Cheddar Cheese
Company Announcement
Affected Product: ONLY Cheese block older than batch 20231113-1 and Shred older than 20240116
Voluntary Recall - E. Coli 0157:H7 STEC - RAW FARM 2024-2-16
Item Barcode Product Description Package Size (oz) Brand Batch or Older
1075 835204000156 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Pound Block 16 RAW FARM 20231113-1
1050 835204001177 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Block 8 RAW FARM 20231113-1
1080 835204001184 Raw Cheddar Cheese - Half Pound Shred 8 RAW FARM 20240116
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 31 st 2024. During this period, there were ten fecal samples collected from patients in 4 states that appeared to match one another in the National PULSENET database. Some of these patients did not report consumption of any Raw Farm cheddar cheese or other raw dairy products. In full cooperation and collaboration with the CDC and FDA, Raw Farm is voluntarily recalling the above 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.
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 submitted to PULSENET.
Product en-route for delivery, being delivered now, and in the future is not affected by this Voluntary Recall. Only product on the retail shelf, which should have a date code of 20231113-1 or older should be ;:recalled. Shredded cheese with date 20240116 or older should be recalled.
This recall is VOLUNTARY and does not affect any products other than raw cheddar cheese with these specific date codes. For more information, please contact Customer Service at 559-846-9732 or email josh.l@rawfarmusa.com or aaron.m@rawfarmusa.com.
CDC Outbreak Advisory
FDA Outbreak Investigation
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