E. coli outbreak linked to Ferndale cheese producer
By Staff on October 24, 2025 7:37pm
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued the following public health alert on October 24, 2025.
Multiple varieties of aged raw milk cheese from Twin Sisters Creamery are in the process of being recalled after testing linked E. coli bacteria from three cases to the company’s cheese. Twin Sisters Creamery is cooperating with the investigation. Additional products may be recalled or identified as a possible source of infection in the future.
“Right now, our nurse team is continuing exposure investigations,” said Dr. Amy Harley, co-health officer. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are working with partners to prevent further illnesses.”
Recalled Products
All sizes of Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese varieties from Twin Sisters Creamery produced on or after May 27, 2025 are being recalled.
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#450 Made on 5/27/2025 – Batch Code 250527B Whatcom Blue
#452 Made on 6/10/2025 – Batch Code 250610B Whatcom Blue
#454 Made on 6/18/2025 – Batch Code 250618B Whatcom Blue
#455 Made on 6/24/2025 – Batch Code 250625B Whatcom Blue
#451 Made on 6/03/2025 – Batch Code 250603F Farmhouse
#453 Made on 6/16/2025 – Batch Code 250616B Farmhouse
#451 Made on 6/03/2025 – Batch Code 250603P Peppercorn
#453 Made on 6/16/2025 – Batch Code 250616 Mustard Seed
Some cheese products were repackaged by grocery stores and markets, so the original label may not be present. In these instances, the grocery store/market label should list the cheese brand.
Do not eat any recalled Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed varieties of Twin Sisters Creamery cheese. Check your refrigerators or freezers for this brand and variety of cheese and throw them away.
Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cheese using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
For Businesses
Check to see if you received Twin Sisters Creamery Cheese, Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed varieties produced since 5/27/2025.
If you are unsure if you received the recalled product, please contact your supplier.
If you received the recalled lots:
Do not sell or serve the recalled cheese.
If possible, notify your customers who may have purchased the recalled cheese or items in-store that include the recalled cheese
Place signs at locations where the cheese were sold to help notify consumers
Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with Twin Sisters Creamery brand cheese.
Whatcom Residents Sickened
Two Whatcom County residents are known to have been sickened, and test results showed a genetic link between their illness and Twin Sisters Creamery products. An additional case in Oregon has also been genetically linked. One is a child under five years old, and two are adults. One person was hospitalized. All illnesses occurred between September 5 and September 16, 2025. Specific or additional products may be recalled or identified as a possible source of infection in the future.
Symptoms of E. Coli infection
People usually get sick from STEC between one and eight days (usually two to three days) after swallowing the bacteria. Some infected people have mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms:
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Severe diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Blood in the stool
Usually little or no fever is present.
If You Consumed Twin Sisters Creamery Cheese and Had Symptoms
If you or someone in your family has symptoms right now, please contact your healthcare provider for immediate symptom support and to submit a stool sample for testing.
If you were previously sick and symptom onset was between May 27 and Oct. 24, 2025, or if you are concerned about possible exposure, please contact us in one of the following ways:
Fill out an online complaint form, choose Complaint—Illness from Food in the category drop-down list, and someone will contact you.
– Whatcom County Health and Community Services (October 24, 2025)
The company issued the following statement.
We are issuing this urgent notice regarding an E. Coli O103 contamination affecting Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheeses.
We have been working closely with the FDA and WSDA and initiated a voluntary product recall this evening.
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The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, please throw away any Twin Sisters cheese you may have on hand or return it to us for a refund. We are actively investigating the situation to identify the exact batch or batches of cheese affected and will update the public as more information becomes available.
We apologize for any concern this may cause and thank you for your patience as we work through this.
