Alert posted by CDC for cheese sold nationwide due to E. Coli

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning people to avoid a cheese product sold nationwide which is linked to an E. Coli outbreak.

The CDC posted a food safety alert on Feb. 16 for ‘RAW FARM’ brand raw cheddar cheese sold in block and shredded packages. These were manufactured by Raw Farm LLC which is currently working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall the products.

To date, these products are believed to have made 10 people sick with four hospitalizations across four states including California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. No deaths have been reported in connection to this food safety alert.

People infected with E. Coli can display symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin three to four days after eating a contaminated food product. Many individuals recover within five to seven days without treatment. However, E. Coli is known to lead to more serious issues such as severe kidney problems requiring hospitalization. Other symptoms to be wary for include:

Feeling tired

Signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat and dizziness when standing up

Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving

Fever higher than 102° Fahrenheit

Losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids

If you purchased the recalled RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese, the CDC encourages you to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. You are also encouraged to wash items and surfaces that came into contact with the cheese using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf