Federal officials are investigating a new outbreak of E. coli infections traced back to cheese produced by Raw Farm, a company previously known as Organic Pastures. This dairy operation, based in Fresno, CA, has a history associated with past outbreaks and recalls.
Collaborating closely with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. The inquiry has already identified 10 individuals with infections, leading to hospitalizations and, in one case, the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition with potential kidney failure.
Raw Farm’s raw cheddar blocks and shredded cheese products have been linked to this outbreak. Previously named Organic Pastures, the dairy was connected to an E. coli outbreak in 2023, affecting two counties in California. The current scope of the E. coli outbreak is still under investigation by the CDC and FDA.
Implicated cheese was distributed nationwide, with some cases reporting purchases from Sprouts Farmers Markets and Bristol Farms retailers. It is essential to note that selling raw milk across state lines is against federal law.
In response to the outbreak, Raw Farm owners have voluntarily recalled specific lots of their cheddar cheese products. The affected items include “Original Flavor” in all sizes of blocks and shredded packages, as well as “Cheddar with added Jalapeño Flavor” in all sizes of blocks and shredded packages.
Legal proceedings surrounding Raw Farm involve a 15-year-old jurisdiction, with a Consent Decree signed by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston for Eastern California in March 2023. The decree grants the FDA inspection powers without prior notice and outlines specific requirements for audits and labeling, including the involvement of an independent labeling expert.
The Department of Justice reopened a 2008 litigation in March 2023, alleging that Raw Farm, formerly Organic Pastures, violated a 2010 Permanent Injunction. This injunction restricted the distribution of unapproved drugs, misbranded food, and raw milk and its products for human consumption in interstate commerce.
Despite these legal actions, Raw Farm has been accused of continuing to distribute products with unproven claims about the health benefits of raw milk. The recent outbreak adds to the ongoing concerns about the safety of Raw Farm’s products.
This situation underscores the importance of ensuring food safety, especially with products linked to past recalls and health issues. Consumers are advised to check their cheese products for potential recalls and, if affected, to discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. The CDC and FDA are diligently investigating the outbreak to mitigate its scope and prevent further infections.
