Raw milk cheddar cheese recalled in New York and New Jersey due to fears of dangerous E. coli contamination

A New York-based dairy company has recalled a batch of raw milk cheddar cheese that had been distributed in many states, including the Empire State, due to E. coli contamination concerns.

Family Farmstead Dairy on Thursday removed a batch of raw milk cheddar cheese with an expiration date of July 22, 2027, that was distributed to stores in New York and New Jersey, according to a company announcement shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The batch of raw cheddar cheese could potentially be contaminated with E. coli, the company shared.

The potentially contaminated cheese was also recalled in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts – but may have been distributed to other states through downstream distributors, the announcement said.

The Worcester-based dairy company distributes a variety of its products to grocers across the country, including Whole Foods Market and Fresh Direct, according to its website.

No other Family Farmstead Dairy products were affected by the recall.

Family Farmstead Dairy said the problem was discovered after a Maryland sample isolated two strains of a toxin-producing E. coli in two samples of cheddar cheese.

No illnesses or allergic reactions linked to the recalled cheese had been reported at the time the company made its announcement Thursday.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers, retail partners and consumers for the inconvenience caused by this recall,” Family Farmstead Dairy said in its recall announcement.

“Product quality is a top priority at Family Farmstead, which is why we are committed to identifying the cause of this issue and taking any corrective action necessary to ensure the continued safety and quality of our products. »

E. coli can cause diarrhea, often accompanied by bloody stools, but most healthy adults can make a full recovery within a week.

However, some people can develop a form of kidney failure – hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) – which can lead to serious kidney damage or even death.

HUS is more likely to occur in young children and older people.

The Post has contacted Family Farmstead Dairy for comment.