Family Farmstead Raw Milk Cheese E. Coli Outbreak Triggers New York Recall

Public health authorities have flagged a serious new food safety hazard involving unpasteurized dairy products. Family Farmstead Dairy, based in Worcester, New York, is voluntarily recalling its raw mild cheddar cheese after routine laboratory analysis detected the presence of Escherichia coli (specifically E. coli O157:H7).

Understanding the Pathogen and Risks

Shiga toxin-producing strains of E. coli are exceptionally resilient and can cause severe foodborne illness. Unlike commercial dairy products that undergo pasteurization to kill harmful pathogens, raw milk cheeses are unheated, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial survival.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection typically appear within one to three days of consumption and include:

• Severe, painful stomach cramps and abdominal tenderness
• Watery or frequently bloody diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting, and occasional low-grade fever

While most healthy individuals recover within five to seven days, severe strains can trigger a dangerous form of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children and older adults. Symptoms of HUS include bruising, decreased urination, and sudden dizziness.

What Consumers and Retailers Should Do

If you purchased Family Farmstead Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese recently, check your refrigerator and cheese drawer immediately. Do not consume the product under any circumstances. You should safely discard the cheese or return it to the original place of purchase for a full refund.

Retailers and food service operators should also inspect their inventory to ensure no recalled blocks remain on shelves or in storage coolers.

Have you or a loved one fallen ill after consuming contaminated raw milk cheese or other recalled food products? Request a free, confidential case review with Food Poison Central today to discuss your legal options and recovery rights.