Washington health officials and the FDA are investigating an E. coli O103 outbreak linked to Twin Sisters Creamery aged raw-milk cheeses. At least three people—two in Washington and one in Oregon—have been sickened; one hospitalization has been reported. Lab testing found E. coli O103 in an opened Farmhouse cheese and STEC (Shiga Toxin producing E. Coli) in an unopened cheese collected at retail, and Twin Sisters has issued a voluntary recall.
What cheeses are recalled?
Twin Sisters Creamery is recalling Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheeses made from raw, unpasteurized milk aged ≥60 days. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Washington State Department of Health list the following batch codes and made-on dates (some products may have been repacked or pre-cut at stores):
- Whatcom Blue (Blue Cheese): 250527B (made 5/27/25), 250610B (made 6/10/25), 250618B (made 6/18/25), 250625B (made 6/24/25)
- Farmhouse: 250603F (made 6/03/25), 250616B (made 6/16/25)
- Peppercorn: 250603P (made 6/03/25)
- Mustard Seed: 250616M (made 6/16/25)
Distribution Information
- Distribution included Oregon and Washington state (some media note broader distribution; check your fridge even if you’re outside these states).
- Products shipped July 27–October 22, 2025
- Some of the cheese products were repacked by retailers and a distributor (Peterson Company) and may have different labeling. If your cheese lacks the original label, treat it as recalled.
Do not eat the recalled cheese. Throw it away or return it, and sanitize surfaces the cheese touched.
Were You Sickened by E. coli?
Symptoms of E. coli (STEC) and when to seek care
- Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- Some patients, especially children, can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure.
- Seek medical care immediately if you have bloody diarrhea, a fever over 102°F, vomiting you can’t keep down liquids with, or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.
Can I sue for E. coli from contaminated cheese?
Yes. If you or a family member were diagnosed with E. coli (or told you have STEC/Shiga Toxin or HUS) after eating Twin Sisters Creamery cheese, you may have a claim for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our national food safety team has won millions for E. coli outbreak victims, including children with HUS.
What to do if you have recalled Twin Sisters cheese
- Don’t taste or serve it. Dispose of it or return it for a refund.
- Disinfect shelves, knives, boards, and containers the cheese touched.
- Watch for symptoms for up to 10 days after exposure and contact your doctor if they develop.
- Save receipts / packaging and note where and when you bought the cheese—this helps your claim.
- Contact us for a free consultation with an E. coli attorney.
Why raw-milk (unpasteurized) cheese is risky—even when aged 60 days
By law, raw-milk cheeses aged ≥60 days can be sold in the U.S., but aging does not eliminate all pathogens. Outbreaks and recalls tied to raw-milk cheeses recur because E. coli and other bacteria can persist in certain styles and under certain conditions.
FAQs
Is this outbreak only in Washington?
Cases are reported in Washington and Oregon; distribution included at least those states. If you bought Twin Sisters cheese elsewhere, check with the store and err on the side of caution.
Which products exactly were recalled?
All sizes of Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed made on/after 5/27/25. Some cheese may have been repackaged with store labels—still treat it as recalled.
What if I already ate the cheese and feel fine?
Monitor for symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure; contact your doctor if symptoms develop.
How do I protect my family?
Avoid raw-milk dairy (unless heated to 165°F), follow safe food-handling, and check state/federal recall pages before serving specialty cheeses.
Sources & Official Notices
- Washington State Department of Health outbreak page (updated Oct 27, 2025) with case counts, batch codes, consumer advice.
- FDA company recall announcement (posted Oct 27, 2025) with batch codes, shipping dates, and refund instructions.
- Whatcom County Health & Community Services alert summarizing local impact and recall status.
- Food Poisoning Bulletin coverage noting positive product tests (opened Farmhouse; unopened retail sample).
Talk to an E. coli Lawyer About the Twin Sisters Creamery Outbreak
If you or your child were diagnosed with E. coli O103 after eating Twin Sisters Creamery cheese, our E. coli lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation. We represent clients nationwide in cheese and raw-milk outbreaks.
Contact Our E. coli Legal Team today and find out how you can get compensation and justice
1-888-377-8900 (Toll-Free) | attorneys@pritzerlaw.com
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