Sally Jackson Unpasteurized Cheese Recall Issued After E. Coli Outbreak

Federal food safety officials are warning consumers not to eat Sally Jackson Cheese due to the risk of E. coli contamination, which may have already caused a number of people to suffer food poisoning. 

A Sally Jackson Cheese recall was issued on December 17 after at least eight people in Washington state fell ill between September and November in an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. A number of the people are suspected of having consumed Sally Jackson Cheese, which uses raw milk in its production process. The FDA subsequently issued a press release warning people not to eat the cheese.

The recall affects all Sally Jackson brand cheeses, which are soft cheeses made from raw cow, goat and sheep milk. The cheeses do not have labels or codes and were wrapped in plain brown paper, twine and either grape or chestnut leaves. The cheeses were produced in Oroville, Washington and distributed across at least 17 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Raw milk is a term for milk that is unpasteurized. Unpasteurized milk has become an increasing health trend due to the belief that there are additional health benefits. However, raw milk has not been treated to kill organisms such as E. coli and Salmonella. Sale of raw milk and raw milk products is only allowed in 20 states, and it is illegal to sell across state lines.

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the more common causes of food poisoning in the United States. When left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and potentially life-threatening illness. While most healthy adults recover from food poisoning caused by E. coli within a few weeks, young children and the elderly could be at risk for more severe illness. If the toxin enters the blood stream, E. coli could also lead to kidney failure known as Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome (HUS).

There have been a number of food poisoning outbreaks and recalls associated with contamination from unpasteurized food products this year, including a June raw milk recall from Hartmann Dairy Farm in Minnesota which may have been linked to at least four illnesses, one of which left a consumer in critical condition. Other recalls of unpasteurized products included a Milky Way Farm chedder cheese recall in July in Pennsylvania, and a Baugher’s Apple Cider recall issued in Maryland and Pennsylvania in November that sickened at least seven people and caused one case of HUS.

Anyone who has purchased Sally Jackson Cheese may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call the company at 1-509-429-3057.