Twin Sisters Creamery, based in Ferndale, Washington, has announced a voluntary recall of several cheese products due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Escherichia coli O103. The affected cheeses—Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed—were made from raw and unpasteurized milk and aged for at least 60 days.
According to the company, "Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
E. coli O103 can lead to severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which is particularly dangerous for young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. HUS may result in kidney failure or other serious complications.
The recalled cheese wheels were distributed between July 27 and October 22, 2025 to distributors in Oregon and Washington. These products may have reached retail stores either as whole wheels or pre-cut pieces with various lot numbers or expiration dates.
Specific batch codes affected include:
- Whatcom Blue: 250527B, 250610B, 250618B, 250624B
- Farmhouse: 250603F, 250616B
- Peppercorn: 250603P
- Mustard Seed: 250616M
There have been three reported cases of STEC infections linked to E. coli O103 in Oregon and Washington so far. One case in Oregon involved a person who consumed Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese before becoming ill.
The recall was prompted after third-party laboratory testing confirmed the presence of E. coli O103 in a sample of Farmhouse cheese. Additional testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected STEC in samples of Whatcom Blue cheese.
Consumers are advised not to eat or use any recalled products they may still have at home. Instead, they should dispose of them safely and clean any surfaces that came into contact with the cheeses. Those concerned about possible illness should consult a healthcare provider.
Customers who purchased these cheeses can return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. For questions regarding the recall, Twin Sisters Creamery can be contacted at 360-656-5240 during business hours Tuesday through Saturday.
"This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Washington Department of Agriculture."
