The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled all cheese products on December 17, 2010 from the Sally Jackson Cheese company of Oroville, Washington for possible contamination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria, commonly known as E.coli. The recall was prompted after an FDA investigation of an E.coli outbreak in Washington and Oregon.
The most common way people get sick from E.coli is when infected meat is not cooked to 160 degrees. In this case, the bacteria survives and infects the person eating it. However, raw milk or dairy products can also become infected when bacteria is spread from a cow's udders to its milk. Most dairy products are pasteurized, or heated, to prevent disease by destroying harmful bacteria.
Details of Sally Jackson Cheese Recall
The Sally Jackson Cheeses in question are made from " raw cows', goats', and sheep milk," according to the FDA. Unlike most recalls that prompt consumers to look for specific bar codes or serial numbers on labels, these cheese products were wrapped in grape leaves alone, in grape leaves surrounded by wax paper, or in chestnut leaves. Twine is wrapped around the outside of the cheese and leaves.
The cheese was distributed across the country in retail stores and through distributors. It was also served in various restaurants. The website for Sally Jackson says that the cheese the company produces is all from milk produced on her farm from goats, cows, and sheep. The company produces custom-made mold ripened leaf wrapped cheeses or larger soft cheeses in a wheel and distributes them to various companies throughout the United States.
Symptoms of E.coli
E.coli causes diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the stool. While most adults can rebound from a bout of E.coli, sometimes a form of kidney failure can develop. The kidney failure, typically called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), most often happens in elderly people, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. HUS can, in some isolated cases, cause kidney failure and even death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimate that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, or about one in six. These illnesses are usually mild, although about 128,000 people each year end up hospitalized. Three thousand deaths per year are attributed to foodborne disease.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Cheese Product
While this investigation began in Washington and Oregon, there may be links to illness in other states. The Star Tribune reported that two people may have become sick with the same strain of E.coli involved with this recall in Minnesota. One individual consumed Sally Jackson cheese.
Earlier this year, the FDA warmed against gouda cheese that was sold at Costco after 25 people got sick with an E.coli outbreak. Five states affected, including, "Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada," according to CNN. Customers who have purchase Sally Jackson cheese should return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
Sources: WebMd, "E.coli Infection," (accessed December 17, 2010), FDA, "Sally Jackson Cheese Recalls All Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk" (December 17, 2010), CNN, "CDC: 1 in 6 Americans get food poisoning annually" (December 15, 2010), CNN, " Cheese sold at Costco in 5 states linked to E.coli " (November 5, 2010), CNN, "Sally Jackson Cheese Recalled for Possible E.coli" (December 17, 2010), The Star Tribune, "Two E.coli cases in state tied to national cheese recall" (December 17, 2010).
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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