Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese products sold in select Hawaiʻi stores recalled

Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese, both shredded and block products, has been recalled by RAW FARM due to E. coli contamination.

An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Food and Drug Branch has since removed the products.

The Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese, both shredded and block varieties, was distributed to a small number of specialty grocery stores in Hawaiʻi, including Down to Earth stores and Hanalei Market.

The Food and Drug Branch is following up with these stores to ensure that the products are no longer available for sale. Specific recalled product information is as follows:

In addition, any batches produced before the dates listed above are also under recall.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection can begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food to up to nine days later. The average incubation period is three to four days. Symptoms include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and may lead to life-threatening conditions such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.

E. coli O157:H7 infection may also lead to high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and/or neurologic problems. Contact a healthcare provider immediately for any symptoms after consuming the recalled products.

To date, nine illnesses have been reported nationwide, and there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled product in Hawaiʻi.

The Food and Drug Branch advises consumers to verify if they purchased the recalled products. Consumers should not consume the products and may return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may visit the RAW FARM website.