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E. coli Outbreak Linked to Twin Sisters Creamery Aged Raw Milk Cheese
3 months ago •source doh.wa.gov
United States
Update November 6th, 2025:- The total outbreak count increased to 10 cases (9 in Washington, 1 in Oregon).
- All illness onsets occurred prior to the October 24, 2025, cheese recall.
New laboratory findings
- Additional cheese testing has identified two STEC strains linked to human cases: E. coli O103 and E. coli O26.
- E. coli O103 cases (2 in Washington, 1 in Oregon) closely match strains found in Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse and Whatcom Blue cheeses.
- E. coli O26 cases (6 in Washington) closely match strains found in Peppercorn Farmhouse cheese.
New test results for specific cheese samples:
- Farmhouse (opened) → E. coli O103
- Whatcom Blue → E. coli O103
- Peppercorn Farmhouse (unopened) → E. coli O26
- Farmhouse (retail) → STEC (not otherwise specified)
Source: Washington State Department of Health
October 26th, 2025:
The Washington State Department of Health, alongside local, state, and federal partners, is investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) linked to Twin Sisters Creamery aged raw milk cheese. Three individuals, including two from Washington and one from Oregon, have fallen ill due to E. coli O103 infections.
The outbreak involves two adults and one child under five, with illnesses reported between September 5 and September 16, 2025. The Oregon case involved consumption of Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese, made from raw, unpasteurized milk and aged for at least 60 days. Testing of an opened cheese sample confirmed the presence of E. coli O103, matching the molecular fingerprint of the bacteria found in the patients. An unopened cheese sample from a retail location also tested positive for STEC, with further testing of additional samples pending.
The issue was discovered when the Oregon Health Authority identified the link between the illness and cheese consumption. Subsequent testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the pathogen in both opened and unopened cheese samples. The investigation is ongoing, and Twin Sisters Creamery is cooperating with authorities. A recall has been issued for specific batches of their cheese products.
Source: doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/foodborne-illness/outbreaks/2025-outbreak-shiga-toxin-producing-e-coli-stec-infections-linked-twin-sisters-creamery-aged-raw
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