WORCESTER, N.Y. (October 15, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a company announcement about Family Farmstead Dairy, LLC’s recall of raw mild cheddar cheese due to potential Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination.
Family Farmstead recall: quick summary
Family Farmstead Dairy recalled Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese bearing lot code and best-by date 7/22/27 after the company reported detecting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in tested samples.
Official recall details
- Recall announcement date: October 15, 2026
- FDA publication date: October 15, 2026
- Announcing agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Family Farmstead Dairy, LLC
- Brand: Family Farmstead
- Product: Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese
- Issue: Potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26:H11 and O45:H2
- Lot code: 7/22/27
- Best-by date: 7/22/27
- Distribution: Grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts. The product may have reached additional states through downstream distributors.
- Other products: No other Family Farmstead Dairy products are included in this recall.
- Consumer contact: (607) 397-4044; [email protected]
What happened?
Family Farmstead Dairy announced the recall after testing in Maryland identified two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC): O26:H11 and O45:H2. The company announcement describes the tested samples as Family Farmstead A2 Raw Cheddar in 8-ounce packages bearing the date 7/22/27.
It identifies the recalled product as Family Farmstead Dairy Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese but does not confirm whether both descriptions refer to the same product.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Lot code | Best-by date |
|---|---|---|---|
Family Farmstead | Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese | 7/22/27 | 7/22/27 |
Health risks associated with STEC
STEC O26:H11 and O45:H2 can cause diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. Young children and older adults face a greater risk of severe complications.
Documentation Insight
“For this cheese recall, the lot code is only useful if it can be reconciled with the product description and the test information. Keeping those records connected helps teams define what is actually covered while the discrepancy in the announcement is clarified,” said Sweet Carpio, Document Management Specialist at Source86.
Here’s what you should do
Consumers who purchased the affected cheese should:
- Do not consume it: Discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Contact the company: Call (607) 397-4044 or email [email protected].
Family Farmstead Dairy reported no illnesses or allergic reactions associated with the recalled product at the time of its announcement. Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated food should contact a healthcare professional.
Behind the brand
Family Farmstead Dairy is based in Worcester, New York. On its official website, the company describes its dairy offering as 100% grass-fed, certified organic, and 100% A2 protein.
In its recall announcement, Family Farmstead Dairy apologized to customers and retail partners and pledged to identify the cause of the issue and take corrective action.
Other relevant recalls
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Over Possible E. coli Contamination
- Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur Expands Recall to Additional Great Value and Trader Joe’s Frozen Berry Products Over Potential E. coli Contamination
Regulatory context
Recall notices need clear product-identification details so businesses can determine whether their inventory falls within the stated scope. In this case, the listed lot code and best-by date provide specific identifiers, but the announcement does not establish how the description of the tested samples relates to the recalled product.
Retailers, distributors, and food safety teams should compare the identifiers in the notice with their inventory records. If the product cannot be confidently matched, they should seek clarification from Family Farmstead Dairy rather than assume that the descriptions are interchangeable. The available notice does not establish that the discrepancy reflects a labeling error or a traceability failure.
Ensuring safe eats
When a recall notice leaves uncertainty about which products correspond to tested samples, businesses should resolve that discrepancy before making assumptions about the affected inventory.
Source86 supports food businesses with food safety and quality oversight. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
