Grassfields Cheese of Coopersville MI has issued a nationwide recall for cheeses that may be contaminated with E. coli. The cheeses have been linked to an E. coli outbreak that includes seven illnesses. People who have purchased these cheeses should not eat them as E. coli can cause serious illness and death.
The recall includes 20,000 pounds of the following varieties of organic cheese: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Chili Cheese, Fait Fras, Polkton Corners and Crofters. The recalled cheeses were sold in 12 pound wheels, six pound half wheels, and wedges of various sizes.
The shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strain cultured from those who became ill was also found in cheese tested by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include stomach cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. Anyone who ate these cheeses and develops these symptoms should she a doctor and mention exposure to E. coli. E. coli infections should not be treated with antibiotics or antacids as these can make the infection worse or trigger life-threatening complications.
Between 5 percent and 10 percent of people with E. coli infections develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. seizure, stroke, coma and death. Symptoms of HUS include decreased frequency of urination, fatigue and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate care at a hospital.
Grassfields halted production on August 1. Production will not resume until corrections have been made at the facility.
