The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert following an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened ten people across multiple states. The outbreak has been linked to consumption of raw milk cheese, raising concerns about the safety of unpasteurized dairy products.
According to the CDC, four individuals have been hospitalized, with one person developing hemolytic uretic syndrome, a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure. While no deaths have been reported, the seriousness of the outbreak underscores the potential risks associated with contaminated food.
Six of the affected individuals reported consuming RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese, prompting the CDC to advise consumers against consuming this product, particularly in original and jalapeño flavors. RAW FARM is cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and initiating a recall of its products as part of the ongoing investigation. RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese is made from whole raw milk, which has not undergone pasteurization. Pasteurization, a process of heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, is considered a crucial step in ensuring the safety of dairy products. Unpasteurized dairy can harbor dangerous bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli, as highlighted by the CDC.
E. coli bacteria, particularly the strain known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, can cause symptoms including cramps, bloody diarrhea, and kidney failure in those exposed. Each year, approximately 265,000 infections of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli occur in the United States, posing a significant public health concern. The CDC’s investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the source of contamination and preventing further cases. In the meantime, consumers are urged to avoid consuming RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese and to exercise caution when consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety practices and the potential risks associated with consuming raw or unpasteurized foods. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.