The Kane County Health Department is advising that Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Grassfields Cheese LLC’s organic cheese products from select stores in the Midwest and South out of an abundance of caution. Grassfields Cheese issued the recall due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

The potential for contamination was identified during an ongoing investigation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory of seven cases of human illnesses occurring between March and July 2016, none in Kane County, caused by a same type of STEC. The Michigan laboratory confirmed the presence of STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors.

The recall includes the following types of Grassfields Cheeses: Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Fait Gras and Polkton Corners, which were cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap with scale labels beginning with PLU codes that ranged from 0206151 to 0206159 and “sell by” dates through 9/2/2016.

The products were sold to consumers nationwide via sales through the firm’s website: www.Grassfieldsscheese.com and at Whole Foods Market stores in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Not all products were sold in all stores.

E. coli (STEC) is a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans. Symptoms vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

Consumers who have purchased any of these recalled products can return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Grassfields Cheese at 616-997-8251 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday EST or Grassfieldscheese@gmail.com.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department news release

About the Kane County Health Department

In active partnership with our community, the Kane County Health Department improves the quality of life and well-being of all residents by developing and implementing local policies, systems, and services that protect and promote health, and prevent disease, injury and disability. Visit the Health Department’s Facebook Page and sign up for the award-winning “Health Matters” newsletter.