FDA Announces Recall of 4 Popular Cheeses for Potential E. Coli Contamination

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of several cheeses produced by Washington-based Twin Sisters Creamery. Specifically, Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheese products have been recalled after it was discovered that the cheeses may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and E. coli O103.

The recall was initiated after third-party testing confirmed the presence of E. coli O103 in samples of Farmhouse cheese. Additionally, E. Coli STEC was detected in Whatcom Blue samples analyzed by Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and FDA.

How To Identify the Recalled Cheeses

There are two ongoing recalls related to Twin Sisters Creamery cheeses. The first, issued by Peterson Company of Auburn, Washington, concerns item #28855 Whatcom Blue and item #29608 Farmhouse Cheese products. The affected Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheeses are roughly 5-oz to 6-oz half-moon-shaped pieces packaged in clear plastic wrap. The cheeses were distributed to retailers and businesses, including caterers, distributors, and restaurants in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, between Aug. 14, 2025, and Oct. 24, 2025.

For a full list of the manufacturer codes and label images, visit the FDA website.

The second recall was issued directly by Twin Sisters Creamery and concerns four cheese products: Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheese. The affected cheeses were sold in 2.5-pound round cheese wheels and shipped to distributors in Oregon and Washington between July 27, 2025 and Oct. 22, 2025. However, the cheeses may have been further distributed to retail stores for repacking or sold as pre-cut half-moon-shaped pieces with different lot numbers or expiration dates.

For a list of these batch codes and label images, visit the FDA website.

What To Do if You Have the Recalled Cheeses

So far, three reports of STEC infections caused by E. coli O103 have been reported in Oregon and Washington. In one Oregon case, the infected person reported consuming the Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese prior to becoming ill.

The recalled cheese should no longer be available for purchase, but the FDA is concerned that it may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. If you believe you have any of the recalled cheeses, do not consume or use them. Instead, throw them away or return them to the original place of purchase for a full refund. Additionally, the FDA advises you to clean and sanitize any surfaces the affected products may have touched.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, frail or elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting, and typically appear three to four days after exposure.

E. coli O103 is an organism that can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing one to 10 days after exposure. E. coli infection can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that causes kidney failure. HUS is particularly dangerous in young children, elderly individuals, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. For questions regarding this recall, contact Twin Sisters Creamery at 360-656-5240 Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. PT or Peterson Company at (800) 735-0313 X2101.