A cluster of seven E. coli illnesses has triggered the recall of 20,000 pounds of organic cheese made by Grasslands Cheese of Coopersville, MI. Consumers who have purchased this cheese should not eat it as E. coli can cause serious illness and death.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection usually develop within one to three days of exposure to contaminated food. They include abdominal cramping and diarrhea that can be bloody. Sometimes there is also a low-grade fever.
Anyone who has eaten the recalled cheeses and develops these symptoms should see a doctor an mention exposure to Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. Infections from E. coli should not be treated with antibiotics or antacids as this can worsen symptoms and trigger complications.
Between 5 percent and 10 percent of people diagnosed with infections from Shiga-toxin producing E.coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS causes kidney failure, seizure, stroke, coma and death. Symptoms include decreased frequency of urination, fatigue and losing pink color in the skin sometimes noticeably in the cheeks lower eyelids. People with HUS require hospitalization.
The Grassfields Cheese recall includes :Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Chili Cheese, Fait Fras, Polkton Corners and Crofters. The cheeses were sold as wheels, half wheels, and wedges of various sizes to wholesale and retail customers at the company’s retail store located at 14238 60th Ave., Coopersville MI 49404, and to consumers nationwide through the firm’s website.