Published by If you purchased the Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, or Mustard Seed cheese from Twin Sisters Creamery and later developed a foodborne illness consistent with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) or E. coli O103 exposure, you may be eligible for legal compensation.
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Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
On October 27, 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall for the Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheeses produced by Twin Sisters Creamery of Ferndale, Washington.
These cheeses were made from raw and unpasteurized milk, aged at least 60 days, and were linked to contamination by Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and E. coli O103—the latter potentially causing serious complications such as kidney failure or hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).
Public-health investigations confirmed at least three illnesses across Oregon and Washington, including one hospitalization, connected to these products.
Latest Updates
- October 27, 2025 – FDA published the recall notice for Twin Sisters Creamery products citing contamination of raw-milk cheeses with STEC and E. coli O103. [1]
- October 28, 2025 – Health.com reported three confirmed illnesses across Oregon and Washington tied to the recall, including one linked to Farmhouse cheese. [2]
- November 3, 2025 – Whatcom County Health Department updated residents, urging disposal of any affected cheese, explaining batch-code identification limitations and refund options. [3]
Product & Usage Overview
The recall covers four specific cheese varieties from Twin Sisters Creamery: Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed. These products were shipped in 2.5-pound wheel form between July 27 2025 and October 22 2025, and subsequently repackaged by distributors into smaller 5- to 6-ounce half-moon-shaped pieces.
Distribution included retail, food service and wholesale channels across Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho.
The cheeses were made from raw (unpasteurized) milk—an ingredient category known to carry higher risk of bacterial pathogens like STEC.
Injuries & Side Effects
While no class-action suits are publicly filed yet, three illnesses linked to these cheeses are enough to warrant concern. Symptoms and risks include:
- STEC or E. coli O103 infection: severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; onset typically 1-10 days post-exposure.
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): particularly in children and older adults, leading to kidney failure or long-term serious complications.
- Hospitalization and possible long-term complications: Given raw-milk and toxin risk, these products present elevated danger to vulnerable populations.
Do You Qualify for a Whatcom Cheese Recall Lawsuit?
You may have legal standing if you meet the following criteria:
- You purchased one of the recalled Twin Sisters cheeses in the recall window (approx. July-October 2025).
- You suffered a confirmed diagnosis of STEC or E. coli O103 infection after eating the cheese, with medical records that align with exposure timing.
- You retained the product container or can provide a purchase receipt or bank/credit record linking you to the product.
- You are within your state’s statute of limitations—commonly 1-3 years from illness or discovery of harm.
- Current public data do not indicate a filed class action yet, but the conditions may support individual or multi-plaintiff claims.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Photographs of the packaging or repackaged product and any batch or lot codes you may find.
- Proof of purchase—receipt, statement, online order confirmation linking you to the product.
- Medical records confirming diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization related to STEC or E. coli infection.
- Recall notice or documentation you received from retailer or manufacturer, if applicable.
- Photographs of leftover product, packaging or where it was stored at home.
Damages You Can Recover
Potential compensation may include:
- Past and future medical expenses—tests, hospital stays, treatments, any lasting care.
- Lost income—if illness forced you to miss work or reduced your earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering—physical pain, emotional trauma, long-term impairment from HUS or related complications.
- Refund of purchase price and disposal costs—if you returned or discarded the product due to the recall.
Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
Possible legal claims might include:
- Defective product – raw-milk cheese failed to meet basic safety expectations and contained dangerous pathogens.
- Negligence – manufacturer or distributor may have failed to ensure safe processing and testing for STEC/O103 contamination.
- Failure to warn – consumers did not receive adequate warning about the unique risks of raw-milk cheeses under certain conditions.
- Strict liability – the product was sold in an unreasonably dangerous condition, putting consumers at risk even when used as intended.
- Breach of warranty – the product was implied to be safe for consumption but was prone to contamination by serious pathogen.
Statute of Limitations & Timing
Each state sets its own time limit; foodborne illness claims often range between 1-3 years from illness onset or confirmation of product link. Given the recall and illness reports are recent, prompt action is crucial to preserve evidence and protect legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I file a claim if I wasn’t hospitalized?
Yes—if you were diagnosed with STEC or E. coli O103 infection after eating the product and have documentation linking the timing and exposure. - Is there a class action already filed?
Not publicly. However, law firms are monitoring and may consolidate individual claims if further illnesses emerge. - What should I do if I still have the cheese?
Do not consume it. Dispose or return it and sanitize surfaces where the cheese or packaging may have touched.
Why You Should Act Now
Raw-milk cheese recalls tied to STEC and E. coli O103 contamination represent a serious public-health risk. If you purchased a recalled cheese, developed illness, or think you were exposed, now is the time to consult a qualified attorney. Early consultation preserves food evidence, medical records, and strengthens your potential claim.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-sisters-creamery-recalls-whatcom-blue-farmhouse-peppercorn-and-mustard-seed-cheese-products-because-of-possible-health-risk
- https://www.eatingwell.com/cheese-recalled-e-coli-outbreak-11837793
- https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5205
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/10/cheese-linked-to-e-coli-outbreak-recalled/