28 replies to this topic

[qa_maddy]

Begrudgingly and after being told to by the FDA multiple times. 

 

Their actual notice they published was so frustrating to read considering their food safety track record. 

[ok_crispy.]

Begrudgingly and after being told to by the FDA multiple times. 

 

Their actual notice they published was so frustrating to read considering their food safety track record. 

 

I know - I couldn't imagine having that level of hubris - it really is something. I have secondhand embarrassment watching the statement videos. 

[TimG]

"Under protest" even!

I am kind of shocked no pathogens have been found though..

Company Announcement

• No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
• No pathogens have been found in FDA samples collected directly or samples collected by state Health Department officials.
• RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.
• This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.
• This Voluntary Recall is performed as a path forward.
• RAW FARM proudly makes truly raw cheddar cheese from milk that is not pasteurized or thermalized and is fully compliant with C.F.R section 133.113.

The FDA has issued an Advisory without batch numbers or expiration dates. At the request of the FDA, RAW FARM is issuing a Voluntary Recall of the batches of cheese below and any batches produced prior to these dates.

[GMO]

"Under protest" even!

I am kind of shocked no pathogens have been found though..

Company Announcement

• No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
• No pathogens have been found in FDA samples collected directly or samples collected by state Health Department officials.
• RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.
• This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.
• This Voluntary Recall is performed as a path forward.
• RAW FARM proudly makes truly raw cheddar cheese from milk that is not pasteurized or thermalized and is fully compliant with C.F.R section 133.113.

The FDA has issued an Advisory without batch numbers or expiration dates. At the request of the FDA, RAW FARM is issuing a Voluntary Recall of the batches of cheese below and any batches produced prior to these dates.

 

I'm less suspicious if the cheddar is long matured. People forget that Parmigiano-Reggiano (proper Parmesan) is made with raw milk and the long maturation time pretty much outcompetes the pathogens unless they go on and recontaminate the cheese when packing it which I wouldn't put it past these guys. AND if that's been the mode of transmission here, the micro will not be evenly distributed because it's not due to the pathogen being present in the vat but environmental contamination of specific cheeses. You test one and it's fine but test the next one and it's riddled. You're looking for a needle in a haystack.

 

So to me, that makes sense that their cheeses haven't (so far) tested positive. Doesn't mean it's not them. Still would put money on it being the raw milk mind you. But it would be interesting to know if the FDA have taken samples from the environment and how much the company are environmental testing and how rigorously. THIS is where I'd expect to find more consistent failures.

 

For any lawyers reading, this is not my saying they would do this but I do know of a case where a QA was deliberately not swabbing areas they knew would fail...

Edited by GMO, 07 April 2026 - 08:19 AM.