CDC determines cheese likely cause of E. Coli outbreak in Utah, 4 other states

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A recent E. Coli outbreak that affected residents spanning Utah, Colorado, Texas, New Jersey and California has been declared over by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA on Tuesday announced that the likely source of the outbreak, which sickened 11 people in five states, was Raw Farm-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese blocks with best by dates through Oct. 4, and Raw Farm-brand Shredded Cheddar Cheese with best by dates through June 10.

The cheese was sold at retailers nationwide.

The Utah Department of Health, in collaboration with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), participated in the investigation that identified RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese as the likely source of the outbreak.

"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 this outbreak," according to a statement from the FDA.

Fresno, California-based Raw Farm issued a recall Feb. 16 for certain lots of its Raw Cheddar cheese. However, The company withdrew the voluntary recall 10 days later.

Health officials urged consumers who may have purchased the affected products to dispose of them properly and not to consume them. Restaurants and retailers in the state should also ensure they are not selling or serving these products. Surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the cheese should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear within a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food and may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure, according to the FDA.