Hawaii DOH warns of raw milk cheese recall over E. coli | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The Hawaii Department of Health is alerting residents to a nationwide raw milk cheddar cheese recall due to potential contamination with E. coli.

The recall is for RAW FARM brand cheddar cheese, including both shredded and block products, after federal investigations found they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

DOH says the products were distributed to a small number of specialty grocery stores in Hawaii, including Down to Earth and Hanalei Market and is following up to ensure they are no longer available for sale.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested RAW FARM of Fresno, Calif., issue the voluntary recall, and the business did so under protest.

The FDA continues to investigate a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to RAW FARM-brand faw dairy products.

The recalled products include:

>> 8 oz. lightly salted cheddar block, with expiration date 8/23/2026

>> 80 oz. lightly salted cheddar block, with expiration date 8/11/2026

>> 16 oz. lightly salted cheddar block, with expiration date 8/23/2026

>> 80 oz. bag of original cheddar shred, with expiration date 5/6/2026

>> 16 oz. Jalapeno cheddar block, with expiration date 9/24/2026

>> 8 oz. lightly salted cheddar shred, with expiration date 5/13/2026

>> 8 oz. Jalapeno Cheddar Block, with expiration date 9/24/2026

Any batches produced prior to the dates listed above are also under recall.

As of today, nine people infected with the E. coli strain have been reported from three states, including California, Texas and Florida, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three have been hospitalized.

More than half of illnesses are in children under age 5.

No illnesses or adverse events from the product have been reported in Hawaii.

Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting. They can begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food to up to nine days later.

“Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and may lead to life-threatening conditions such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome,” said DOH in a news release. “HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.”

Infections with this strain may also lead to the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms after having consumed the recalled products should contact their health care provider immediately.

Consumers with questions may contact RAW FARM https://rawfarmusa.com/contact.