The Hawaii Department of Health Food and Drug Branch announced on April 2 a recall by RAW FARM for its Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese products due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled cheese, in both shredded and block forms, was distributed to several specialty grocery stores in Hawaii, including Down to Earth stores and Hanalei Market.
This alert follows investigations by the United States Food and Drug Administration and partner state agencies that identified potential contamination. The Department of Health said it is working with affected retailers to ensure the recalled products are removed from sale.
Symptoms associated with E. coli O157:H7 infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms can appear within a few days up to nine days after consuming contaminated food, with an average incubation period of three to four days. While most healthy adults recover within a week, some cases may lead to serious conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is more likely in young children and older adults. Other complications may include high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease.
Residents who experience symptoms after eating the recalled cheese are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately. So far, nine illnesses have been reported nationally linked to this product; there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled product in Hawaii.
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