Why are food recalls increasing?
E. coli, metals and even dead bats have been found in the recalled foods. In fact, food recalls are on the rise. But it could actually be a good sign. Here’s why:
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk.
In a notice shared on March 15, both agencies advised consumers not to eat Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese. The outbreak of E. coli, a foodborne illness, has been traced to cheese products and has sickened at least seven people in three states, researchers said.
The cheese has not yet been removed from the market because Law Farm, which has been implicated in multiple high-profile infectious disease outbreaks, has refused FDA requests to recall the product, the agency said. The FDA is awaiting further sample testing to confirm the source.
Here’s what you need to know about the outbreak.
Which cheeses are affected?
The cause of this outbreak has been traced to a cheddar cheese product sold by a brand called Raw Farm. This includes:
- Original flavored raw farm cheddar cheese.
- All size packages of raw farm block and shredded cheese.
In which states are E. coli cases occurring?
As of March 14, seven people in three states were sick, including two people, two of whom were hospitalized. Four of the cases involved children under 3 years of age.
- California (5 results)
- Florida (1 item)
- Texas (1 item)
What to do with affected cheddar cheese
Law Farms has denied the FDA’s request for a voluntary recall of its cheese products.
While the investigation is ongoing, the FDA and CDC recommend that affected cheeses not be eaten or thrown away. Surfaces that may have come into contact with cheese should be washed and disinfected with hot, soapy water.
What is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC? Is it more dangerous?
The outbreak strain of E. coli associated with this cheese was identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, also known as STEC. According to the FDA, this type of E. coli is known to cause a serious kidney disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
According to the Mayo Clinic, children are more likely to get HUS, which damages blood vessels. This destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia and blood clots in blood vessels. These blood clots can damage the kidneys and other organs, causing kidney failure and death.
According to the FDA, as of March 14, no deaths or cases of HUS have been reported.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning
According to the CDC, symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These include:
- Diarrhea and fever above 102°F
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
- bloody diarrhea
- I’m vomiting so much that I can’t keep fluids down
- Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, decreased urination, and dizziness.
- Abdominal cramps, pain, and bloating.
According to the Mayo Clinic, additional symptoms of HUS include:
- Pale skin or loss of color.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Bruises easily.
- Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose or mouth.
- Decreased urination or blood in the urine.
- Swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles called edema.
- Confusion, seizures, or strokes.
- High blood pressure.
What you need to know about raw/unpasteurized dairy products
Raw Farm is a seller of dairy products that are raw or unpasteurized, or that are not heated to kill harmful bacteria.
The process of pasteurization became routine in the U.S. commercial milk supply in the 1920s and became widespread by the 1950s. As a result, the spread of diseases commonly spread through milk has been reduced.
Misinformation about the process has led some people to believe that pasteurized milk is less nutritious or better for people with lactose intolerance, but pasteurization does not significantly compromise milk’s nutritional value or content. In some states, it is illegal to sell raw milk directly to consumers.
Raw milk can contain many harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are known to cause many diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barre syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis, and death.
