Family Farmstead Dairy recalls raw milk cheddar over possible E. coli contamination

Family Farmstead Dairy, based in Worcester, issued a recall on Thursday for a lot of raw milk cheddar cheese that carries a best-by date of July 22, 2027. The cheese was distributed to grocery outlets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts, and may have reached additional states through downstream distributors. Testing of a Maryland sample identified two toxin-producing strains of E. coli, prompting the recall.

The firm said no cases of illness or allergic reaction have been linked to the product to date. Retail partners include Whole Foods Market and Fresh Direct. The company apologized to customers and pledged to investigate the source of the contamination. Health officials warned that E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and, in vulnerable populations, may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome.