Cheese Recall Update as FDA Sets Most Severe Level

A recall of raw-milk cheese products that officials feared was linked to an E. coli outbreak, has been classified as the highest possible risk level by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The classification, released by officials on Monday, relates to an FDA recall of Raw Cheddar Cheese (which was made from unpasteurized milk) back on February 16. The move came after at least 10 people were affected by E. coli, with officials suggesting that the cheese may have been responsible. Food producer Raw Farm LLC agreed to voluntarily recall the product at the time in an “abundance of caution,” but added later that month there was no proof their cheese was behind the outbreak—saying tests had exonerated it and accusing the FDA of “bias.” Newsweek has reached out to both Raw Farm and the FDA seeking further information and comment.

E. coli is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning if consumed. Sufferers may fall sick with various conditions, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Patients could also develop a “serious health condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome[HUS]…[which] can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.”

As of March 26, when the CDC declared the outbreak over, 11 people were hit with E. coli during the outbreak, according to the FDA, which reported that five were hospitalized; two contracted the potentially deadly HUS. No deaths have been reported. At least six said they had eaten Raw Farm’s cheddar in the week before they were affected. The outbreak included four cases California, three in Colorado, two in Utah, one in Texas and another in New Jersey.

But Raw Farm hit back 10 days after the recall, publishing a blog on its website dated February 26 saying it was “publicly announcing that the Voluntary recall was UNFOUNDED and has been RETRACTED. All raw cheese product date codes are CONFIRMED safe to consume.”

The company, based in Fresno, California, said tests had failed to find E. coli contamination in its products and said it had been “treated with biased, brand-defaming, and inappropriate actions taken by the FDA and CDC.”

The company also slammed the FDA, accusing the agency of issuing a “forever directive” instead of providing manufacturing dates and lot ID numbers for the specific batch of cheeses that officials were concerned about.

The product still features on the Raw Farm website this week, with customers advised on where they can buy the cheese.

More than two dozen states have legalized the sale of raw milk, though conditions vary. The FDA warns on its website that “unpasteurized milk, can harbor dangerous germs that can pose serious health risks to you and your family.” Pasteurization involves heating milk to kill off harmful germs.

Despite the dispute between the manufacturer and the FDA, the agency this week issued an update that suggested the status of the recall remained “ongoing.”

Officials classified it as a “Class 1” health risk, which means “there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The product details provided by the update described the item as “Raw Cheddar Cheese, made from unpasteurized milk, 16 oz (1 lb) block, Keep Refrigerated under 40 degrees.” The “code information” provided for the product reads: “Item 1075, Barcode 835204000156, Batch 20231113-1 or older.” The cheeses “are distributed to retailers and distribution centers in the following U.S. states: TX, CA, CO, AZ. No foreign distribution,” the FDA notice added.

Newsweek has reached out to both Raw Farm and the FDA for comment, but an immediate response was not expected because the email was sent outside of usual working hours. Statements received will be added to this article.