Costco Cheese Recalled For E. coli

Cheese sold and given away as samples in Costco Wholesale stores is being recalled after 25 people reported ill with E. coli food poisoning after eating the cheese.

Bravo Farms Dutch Style Raw Milk Gouda Cheese has been linked to the outbreak. The Gouda cheese (Costco item 40654) was sold at Costco stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada beginning October 5, and was removed from shelves Monday. The cheese was also given away during in store samples.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 25 people have reported E. coli poisoning from the cheese, but no deaths have occurred.

Customers who purchased the cheese may return it to Costco for refunds or dispose of it by placing it in a closed plastic bag in the trash. As a North Charleston foodborne illness attorney , I’d like to remind people who may still have the cheese to be especially aware of cross-contamination after handling the cheese.

E. coli is a pathogen that often resides within the intestines of animals and is passed through fecal material. It is often linked to meat, but is also found in other foods produced near animals. Symptoms of E. coli include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, dehydration and in extreme cases, kidney failure. If you experience any of these symptoms you should visit a health care provider and have your case evaluated by a North Charleston personal injury attorney .