Utah E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese is declared over
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah was involved in a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese consumption since February, and on Wednesday, the CDC announced its investigation is closed and the outbreak is over.
The CDC and FDA, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated the E. coli outbreak linked to all sizes of RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese blocks (with best by dates through Oct. 4) and shredded cheese (with best by dates through May 10).
As part of this investigation, officials in Colorado, California, and Utah reportedly collected various RAW FARM-brand products for testing, and said all samples tested negative for E. coli.
According to the FDA, while E. coli has not been found in product samples, epidemiologic evidence shows that RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC is the likely source of the outbreak.
During the outbreak, there were 11 reported illnesses in five states. Additionally, there were five reported hospitalizations, where two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome — a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, the FDA said.
While the FDA’s investigation is now closed, the FDA said that they, along with the CDC, will continue to monitor for additional illnesses and will reopen the investigation if additional cases are identified.
Additionally, the FDA noted the cheese has a long shelf life, and still warns against consumption of RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese with the aforementioned best by dates.
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