Family Farmstead Dairy Recalls Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese
The manufacturer is pulling 8-ounce packages of raw cheddar after laboratory tests identified E. coli bacteria.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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Family Farmstead Dairy, based in Worcester, New York, has issued a recall for its raw mild cheddar cheese due to potential contamination. Tests conducted by a Maryland laboratory isolated two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in samples of the product.
Why it matters
The recall was initiated because the cheese contained potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7, a pathogen that can cause serious illness. No human cases of sickness linked to the product have been reported to date.
The recall encompasses 8-ounce packages of raw mild cheddar cheese marked with lot code 7/22/27. The products were distributed to various grocers across New York and New Jersey.
The players
Family Farmstead Dairy
Family Farmstead Dairy is an artisanal cheese producer based in Worcester, New York.
The details
The company decided to pull the products after testing confirmed the presence of Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. Consumers who purchased these specific 8-ounce packages are urged to check the packaging labels for the affected lot code.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Family Farmstead Dairy announced the voluntary recall.
July 22, 2027: The best-by date listed on the recalled cheese packages.
Culture Shift
This recall underscores the growing tension between the demand for raw, artisanal dairy products and the rigorous safety standards required to mitigate foodborne illness risks. It reflects a broader movement where transparency and rapid safety interventions are becoming central to the viability of small-scale organic food producers.
Residents who purchased the affected 8-ounce packages should avoid consuming the product and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Checking the lot code 7/22/27 is the most effective way to identify if your specific item is subject to this safety action.
The takeaway
Maintaining food safety in the organic sector often relies on proactive testing and transparent communication during potential contamination events. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant by monitoring recall alerts and verifying production codes on specialty dairy products.
Further reading
For more information on food safety standards and labeling, visit the Organic Food section.
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