FDA links raw cheese to outbreak; Makers “100% disagree,” refuse recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a connection between raw cheddar cheese produced from unpasteurized milk and a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Despite the FDA's findings, the cheese manufacturer, Raw Farm, has pushed back against the agency's assertions and has opted not to issue a voluntary recall of their product. In an investigation notice, the FDA reported that a total of seven cases have been detected across three states: California, with five cases; Florida and Texas, each with one case. Among those affected, two individuals required hospitalization, with four of the cases involving children aged three and under, who are at a heightened risk for severe health complications. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded. The timeline of the reported illnesses stretches from September of the previous year to as recently as February 13. Genetic analysis of the E. coli strains linked to these cases revealed a close genetic relationship, suggesting they likely originated from a shared source. Health officials managed to interview individuals from three of the cases, all of whom reported consuming Raw Farm's raw cheddar cheese. In light of this evidence, state health partners have begun collecting samples of Raw Farm's cheese for further testing, although results have not yet been released. While the FDA has recommended the company take its raw cheese products off the shelves, Raw Farm has firmly declined to do so. In a series of assertive social media posts, company representatives have expressed their disagreement with the FDA's conclusions, labeling the agency's claims as unfounded. “We 100% disagree with the FDA’s false ‘possible link’ and extreme allegations,” stated Raw Farm in one of its posts.