FDA links raw cheese to outbreak; Makers "100% disagree," refuse recall

"The FDA said seven cases have been identified in three states: California (five cases), Florida (one case), and Texas (one case). Of the seven cases, two required hospitalization. Four of the seven cases were in children age 3 or younger who are at higher risk of severe illness."

"Genetic testing of the E. coli in each case found they were highly related and, thus, likely from a common source. Of the three cases that health officials have been able to fully interview about their potential exposures, all three said they had eaten Raw Farm-branded raw cheddar cheese."

"In defiant social media posts, representatives for the company have strongly pushed back on the FDA's findings and are adamantly refusing to recall its cheese. 'We 100% disagree with the FDA's false 'possible link,' and extreme allegations,' Raw Farm said in one social media post."

The FDA identified seven cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli linked to Raw Farm's raw cheddar cheese across California, Florida, and Texas, with illnesses occurring from September through February. Two cases required hospitalization, and four involved children under age three who face higher severe illness risk. Genetic testing confirmed the E. coli strains were highly related, indicating a common source. All three cases with complete exposure information reported consuming Raw Farm-branded raw cheddar cheese. State health officials are collecting cheese samples for testing. The FDA recommended voluntary recall, but Raw Farm declined and publicly disputed the agency's findings on social media.

Read at Ars Technica