The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall affecting several well-known cheese varieties after samples tested positive for dangerous strains of E. coli. The warning covers four cheeses made by Washington-based Twin Sisters Creamery, a small producer whose products are distributed widely across several states.
The affected cheeses—Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed—may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and E. coli O103. These bacteria can cause serious illness, including kidney failure in severe cases. Three infections have already been reported in Oregon and Washington, prompting the recall. Here’s what’s known about the affected products and what to do if you’ve bought them.
What the FDA found in the recalled cheeses
The recall began after third-party testing confirmed E. coli O103 contamination in samples of Twin Sisters Creamery’s Farmhouse cheese. Additional testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the FDA also detected Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Whatcom Blue.
The cheeses were distributed through retailers, distributors, caterers, and restaurants across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado between mid-August and late October 2025. The first recall, issued by Peterson Company, includes 5 to 6-ounce Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse half-moon-shaped pieces packaged in clear wrap.
A second, broader recall—initiated directly by Twin Sisters Creamery—covers 2.5-pound wheels of Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheeses. These were shipped to distributors in Washington and Oregon between late July and late October. However, some may have been cut and repackaged for retail sale, meaning they could appear under different lot numbers or expiration dates.
The FDA urges anyone who purchased these cheeses to check batch codes and label photos on its website. Even if the cheese looks or smells fine, it could still be contaminated.
What you should do if you have these cheeses
The FDA says the recalled cheeses should no longer be on store shelves, but they may still be in consumers’ homes. Because E. coli infections can be dangerous, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, it’s essential to take precautions. Here’s what to do if you think you have any of the affected products:
- Do not eat them. Even a small amount could cause illness.
- Throw them away immediately or return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers the cheese may have touched. This includes refrigerator shelves, knives, and cutting boards.
- Watch for symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. These usually appear within 1 to 10 days after exposure.
- Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms. In rare but serious cases, E. coli infection can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which causes kidney failure and can be life-threatening.
For questions about the recall, consumers can reach Twin Sisters Creamery at (360) 656-5240 (Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. PT) or Peterson Company at (800) 735-0313, extension 2101.
While outbreaks like this are rare, they’re a reminder to stay alert about food safety alerts from the FDA. Always check recall lists, store cheese and dairy products properly, and wash your hands and surfaces after handling them.