E. coli Concerns Prompt the Recall of Cheese Products Shipped to Multiple States

Earlier this year, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a New York company was recalling 12 ounce packages of cheese due to a possible health risk. The packaged cheese was shipped and distributed to retail locations in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida.

According to the company’s announcement, specific packages of their Cotija cheese are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing  E. coli  bacteria. Shiga toxin-producing  E. coli  can cause a diarrheal illness and although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people may develop a form of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The voluntary recall was initiated after sampling by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered that the product was contaminated. Fortunately, at the time of the recall notice, there had been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of the cheese. Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese are urged not to consume it.

“There are a number of strains of  E. coli that  can cause serious illnesses and even death in extreme cases,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help protect consumers and prevent these types of costly product recalls, EMSL provides comprehensive testing to identify  E. coli  and other foodborne pathogens. These services can be utilized to test raw or final products and to confirm that surface cleaning and disinfection procedures in food processing and packing facilities are effective. Testing is available to food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, healthcare providers, regulators and the general public.”

To learn more about  E. coli  or other microbial pathogen and food testing services, please visit  www.FoodTestingLab.com  or  www.EMSL.com , call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,  Legionella , USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at  www.EMSL.com  for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail