Public urged to avoid Raw Farm cheddar cheese due to E. coli outbreak

Health officials are warning the public to avoid eating Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese products linked to an ongoing E. coli outbreak, including cases in Los Angeles.

Backed by local and state lab investigations, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued a warning Tuesday about two Raw Farm Raw Cheddar products — original block cheese and original shredded cheese.

Health officials said the products made by the California-based company are linked to an “ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli,” also known as STEC.

“Local and state public health officials interviewed affected individuals,” the LACDPH said. “Epidemiologic and laboratory investigation indicates a strong link between the illnesses and RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products. Whole genome sequencing of samples from cases confirm that the E. coli strains are closely related, supporting a common source of infection.”

E. coli are bacteria that can be spread through food and person-to-person. An infection can cause symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody, particularly linked to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli), vomiting and fever.

In some cases, an infection could lead to severe, life-threatening health issues including kidney failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Symptoms usually begin within three to four days after consuming the bacteria, health officials said. Most people recover without treatment in five to seven days.

The LACDPH said consumers with E. coli symptoms should contact their health care provider. Children, older adults, pregnant people or those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness if they become infected.

The LACDPH said that as of March 14, there have been seven confirmed cases of infections linked to the products across three states, including five cases in California. Two cases are in LA County.

The last illness onset was reported on Feb. 13; two patients were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

NBC News reported that four of the seven cases are in children ages 3 or younger.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued guidance to consumers, retailers, and food service providers about the Raw Farm products and the outbreak.

“The FDA recommended that RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove their raw cheese products from the market, but the company has declined,” the LACDPH said.

The agencies recommend the public avoid eating or serving the Raw Farm Raw Cheddar products. Consumers who have the products should throw them away or return them to where they bought them.

“If you have RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese, carefully clean and sanitize anything it touched, following FDA’s safe handling guidance to prevent cross-contamination. This includes countertops, utensils, containers or other surfaces,” LACDPH added.

In a statement, Raw Farm disputed the findings from the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We 100% disagree with the FDA’s false ‘possible link,’ and extreme allegations,” Raw Farms said.