FDA Says Check Your Fridge for Raw Cheddar Tied to an E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Investigation
Shoppers should check the fridge for raw cheddar cheese tied to an active FDA investigation into an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. This is a consumer alert about a specific raw cheddar or raw milk cheese source under investigation, not a warning about all cheese.
If you bought raw cheddar recently, look closely at the package label, brand or supplier name, purchase source, lot or production details, and any other identifying information listed by the FDA. If your cheese matches the investigation details, do not eat it.
What to check at home
Go through any raw cheddar or other raw milk cheese you may have in the refrigerator or freezer. Compare:
- Product name and cheese type
- Brand, supplier, or farm name
- Lot, batch, or production code
- Package size and date information
- Where you bought it
If the FDA notice adds states, retailers, or other identifiers, use those details exactly when checking your groceries. If a package looks similar but does not match the official notice, do not assume it is involved.
Why raw milk cheese deserves extra caution
Raw milk cheeses can carry a higher food-safety risk than pasteurized products because they are made without the heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria. That does not mean every raw cheese is unsafe, but it does mean shoppers should be especially careful during an active outbreak investigation.
The current update is based on an official FDA outbreak investigation, with CDC outbreak pages providing broader public-health context. The key point for home cooks is simple: if your cheese matches the investigation details, keep it out of meals, snacks, and shared cheese boards.
What to do right now
If you have the affected product:
- Do not taste it.
- Discard it or return it if the seller’s instructions allow that option.
- Wash your hands after handling it.
- Clean and sanitize any shelf, container, knife, cutting board, or countertop that touched the cheese.
If you already served or ate some of the cheese and feel unwell, contact a health care professional for advice. E. coli symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, but only a medical professional can guide care for your situation.
For now, the safest move is to check the fridge, compare your package details with the FDA notice, and follow any new updates from FDA or CDC. Investigations can expand as more product information becomes available, so it is worth checking official notices again if you bought raw milk cheese recently.
