Twin Sisters Creamery Cheese Recall: Whatcom Blue & Farmhouse May Contain E. coli
Urgent consumer alert: Peterson Company has recalled Twin Sisters Creamery Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse raw-milk cheeses due to potential E. coli contamination. See if your lot code is affected
Why the Twin Sisters Creamery Cheese Recall Matters
On October 26, 2023, Peterson Company of Auburn, Washington, voluntarily recalled Twin Sisters Creamery Whatcom Blue (item #28855) and Farmhouse (item #29608) cheeses after third-party and state testing detected Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O103. STEC can trigger severe gastrointestinal illness and may lead to life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
How to Identify the Recalled Twin Sisters Creamery Cheese
The affected half-moon pieces (5–6 oz) were shipped to retailers, restaurants, caterers, and distributors in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington between August 14 and October 24, 2023. Look for these manufacturer (MFG) date codes on the clear plastic wrap:
- Whatcom Blue (item #28855) – MFG Codes: 793511, 781511, 775511, 761511
- Farmhouse (item #29608) – MFG Codes: 765511, 752511, 738511, 726511
What Consumers Should Do Immediately
- Do not eat the recalled cheese. Seal it in a plastic bag and discard it in the trash.
- Sanitize any refrigerators, knives, or cutting boards that touched the cheese.
- Get a refund: Return the product or receipt to the store of purchase for a full refund.
- Watch for symptoms: Severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting within 1–10 days of eating the cheese require medical evaluation.
- Need help? Call Twin Sisters Creamery at (360) 656-5240 (Tue–Sat, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. PT) or Peterson Company at (800) 735-0313 x2101.
Sources
Official Images From the FDA Recall Notice
Timeline of Key Recall Events
- Aug 14–Oct 24 2023 – Cheese distributed in CO, ID, OR, and WA.
- Oct 26 2023 – Peterson Company initiates voluntary recall.
- Oct 27 2023 – FDA posts the public recall announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Twin Sisters Creamery Recall
1. Is every Twin Sisters Creamery cheese product recalled?
No. The recall is limited to Whatcom Blue (item #28855) and Farmhouse (item #29608) half-moon pieces with the lot codes listed above.
2. Have any illnesses been linked to the Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese recall?
Yes. Health departments in Oregon and Washington have confirmed three E. coli O103 illnesses associated with Farmhouse cheese. No illnesses have been tied to Whatcom Blue to date.
3. Can I cook Twin Sisters Creamery Whatcom Blue cheese to make it safe?
The FDA advises against attempting to heat or cook the cheese. Discard the product instead; heat may not destroy all STEC bacteria or their toxins.
4. How do I obtain a refund for my recalled Twin Sisters Creamery cheese?
Bring the cheese or proof of purchase back to the retailer. All affected stores have been instructed to issue full refunds immediately.
5. What E. coli symptoms warrant medical attention after eating Twin Sisters Creamery cheese?
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration within ten days of consumption.
6. Will Twin Sisters Creamery restock Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheeses?
The company has paused production while it works with state and federal regulators. Cheeses will return to market only after safety controls are verified.