Peterson Company Recalls Twin Sisters Creamery Whatcom Blue And Farmhouse Cheese Products Over Potential E. Coli Contamination

AUBURN, WA (October 27, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Peterson Company is voluntarily recalling Twin Sisters Creamery brand Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheese products due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and E. coli O103. According to the FDA, these bacteria can cause serious foodborne illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Regulators said the recall follows reports of STEC infections linked to the products in Oregon and Washington.

Peterson Company recall: quick summary

Peterson Company, based in Auburn, Washington, initiated the recall on October 26, 2025, after receiving notification from its supplier, Twin Sisters Creamery, that testing revealed contamination in both Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheese products. Retailers, distributors, and restaurants in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington received the affected items between August 14 and October 24, 2025. The FDA urges consumers not to eat the recalled cheeses and to return them for a full refund. The agency has confirmed three STEC infections so far, including one linked to the Farmhouse cheese in Oregon.

What happened?

The FDA stated that Peterson Company initiated the recall after Twin Sisters Creamery notified them that a Farmhouse Cheese sample tested positive for E. coli O103. Additionally, Whatcom Blue samples analyzed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the FDA confirmed STEC contamination. The recall was announced on October 26 in coordination with the FDA and affected retailers across Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The recalled cheeses are 5–6oz half-moon pieces packaged in clear plastic wrap. The affected manufacturer codes are printed with inkjet or affixed with a small, tan-to-orange sticker. Distribution included retailers, distributors, restaurants, and catering businesses between August 14 and October 24, 2025.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
Twin Sisters Creamery	Whatcom Blue	5–6oz	28855	See package	STEC/E. coli O103	CO, ID, OR, WA
Twin Sisters Creamery	Farmhouse	5–6oz	29608	See package	STEC/E. coli O103	CO, ID, OR, WA

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was triggered by contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and E. coli O103. These bacteria can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, especially among children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, the infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that causes kidney failure. Company officials said that illnesses have been confirmed in Oregon and Washington, including one linked to the Farmhouse cheese.

Questions you might have

What should I do if I have already consumed this product?
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or vomiting.

How can I identify if I have the recalled product?
Check for item numbers 28855 (Whatcom Blue) or 29608 (Farmhouse Cheese) and the manufacturer codes listed above.

What are the symptoms of E. coli exposure?
Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, and fever. Severe cases may lead to kidney complications.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the recalled cheeses; return to the retailer for a refund or dispose safely.
• Check packaging for item numbers 28855 or 29608 and the manufacturer codes listed above.
• Consumers with questions may contact Twin Sisters Creamery at 360-656-5240 (Tue–Sat, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. PT) or Peterson Company at 800-735-0313 X2101.

Behind the brand

Peterson Company, based in Auburn, Washington, sources specialty cheeses from Twin Sisters Creamery. The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working closely with the FDA and distributors to prevent further risk.

Other relevant recalls

In recent years, Twin Sisters Creamery and other producers (including Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, NPC Processing Inc., Bismillah Halal Meats, and 4Earth Farms) have issued multiple recalls for E. coli or STEC contamination.

A press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states:

“Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Regulatory context

This recall highlights an ongoing concern with raw milk cheeses in the U.S., where STEC contamination has prompted multiple alerts in the past six months, affecting products sold in major regional retailers and restaurants.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall reinforces the importance of stringent safety protocols and testing in dairy production. Companies must prioritize sanitation, traceability, and supplier oversight to prevent similar issues. Consumers are reminded to return or discard affected products immediately.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Let’s talk.

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