Family Farmstead Dairy, a Worcester‑based dairy producer, announced a recall of a lot of its raw milk cheddar cheese after laboratory testing in Maryland identified two strains of toxin‑producing E. coli. The cheese, bearing a best‑by date of July 22, 2027, was distributed to retail locations in New York and New Jersey and also reached stores in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts. The company said the recall was initiated on Thursday following a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Recall scope and distribution channels
The recalled product was part of a single lot of raw milk cheddar cheese. While the FDA announcement confirms distribution to the six states listed above, Family Farmstead Dairy cautioned that the cheese may have been shipped to additional states through downstream distributors. The company’s portfolio includes a range of dairy items sold nationwide through grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market and Fresh Direct, according to its website. No illnesses or allergic reactions linked to the cheese had been reported at the time of the recall notice.
Health implications and company response
According to the recall statement, the Maryland sample isolated two strains of toxin‑producing E. coli. The bacterium can cause diarrhea, often accompanied by bloody stools, though most healthy adults recover within a week. In more severe cases, especially among young children and the elderly, infection can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a condition that may result in kidney failure and, in extreme instances, death.
Family Farmstead Dairy expressed regret over the incident, stating, “We sincerely apologize to our customers, retail partners, and consumers for the inconvenience caused by this recall.” The company emphasized that product quality remains a top priority and pledged to identify the cause of the contamination and implement corrective actions to safeguard future products.
Consumer guidance
Consumers who purchased the raw milk cheddar cheese with the July 22, 2027 best‑by date are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA recommends that anyone who believes they may have consumed the recalled cheese monitor for symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or signs of dehydration, and seek medical attention if severe illness develops, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Family Farmstead Dairy did not provide further details on the source of the contamination, and the Post’s request for additional comment has not yet been answered.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
