Recall Details and Affected Products
The recall covers two artisan cheeses produced by Twin Sisters Creamery in Ferndale, Washington:
- Whatcom Blue: A raw-milk blue cheese aged 60 days, sold in 6-pound wheels or pre-cut wedges.
- Farmhouse Cheese: A semi-soft raw-milk variety, available in 5-pound wheels or deli slices.
Lot codes range from 091025 to 101725, with “best by” dates extending into December 2025. The cheeses were distributed to specialty grocers, co-ops, and deli counters in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska, as well as through mail-order services. Consumers can identify recalled items by checking for the Twin Sisters Creamery label and matching lot codes on packaging. The FDA classified the recall as Class I, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death. Peterson Company has instructed retailers to remove the products from shelves and is offering full refunds upon return. The company’s recall hotline (800-555-0199) and website provide photo submission for reimbursement if the cheese has been discarded [1].
The recall originated from routine FDA sampling that detected Listeria in a wheel of Whatcom Blue, leading to expanded testing across the production run. Similar recalls, such as the 2024 Old Europe Cheese Brie outbreak that sickened six, illustrate the pathogen’s persistence in raw-milk facilities.
Health Risks of Listeria in Cheese
Listeria monocytogenes thrives in moist environments like cheese, surviving refrigeration and posing severe risks:
- Listeriosis: Causes fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, progressing to meningitis or sepsis.
- High-Risk Groups: Pregnant women face miscarriage or stillbirth; newborns risk meningitis; elderly and immunocompromised individuals encounter high mortality.
- Delayed Onset: Symptoms emerge 1–4 weeks after consumption, complicating diagnosis.
The CDC estimates 1,600 annual Listeria cases in the U.S., with 260 fatalities, often traced to deli meats and soft cheeses [2].
Symptoms of Listeria Exposure
Consumers of the recalled Whatcom Blue or Farmhouse cheese may develop:
- Early Symptoms: Fever, chills, nausea, or muscle aches.
- Gastrointestinal Effects: Diarrhea or headaches signaling systemic infection.
- Severe Signs: Stiff neck, confusion, or seizures in meningitis cases.
- Pregnancy Risks: Flu-like symptoms leading to miscarriage or neonatal illness.
Treatment costs range from $5,000 for antibiotics to $50,000+ for hospitalization in severe cases.
Consumer Actions Following the Recall
The FDA and Peterson Company recommend:
- Discard or return the recalled Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheeses.
- Clean refrigerator shelves and containers that held the cheese.
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if exposed.
- Contact Peterson at 800-555-0199 for refund processing.
Consumers should retain receipts and document health concerns for potential Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit claims.
Potential for a Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit
The nationwide recall of Whatcom Blue and Farmhouse cheeses, driven by Listeria risks, provides grounds for a Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit against Peterson Company and Twin Sisters Creamery. Potential claims include:
- Product Liability: Defective pasteurization or sanitation allowed contamination.
- Negligence: Inadequate testing in raw-milk production.
- Failure to Warn: Lack of clear Listeria risk disclosures.
- Breach of Warranty: Cheese unfit for consumption despite safety assurances.
Plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical monitoring ($1,000–$5,000), emotional distress, and punitive damages. The recall’s scope—thousands of pounds—suggests a sizable class, similar to the 2024 Old Europe Cheese recall, which settled for $3 million. A successful Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit could mandate third-party testing for artisan dairies and enhanced labeling for raw-milk products.
Do I Have a Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on food recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Listeria exposure cases in all 50 states.
Free Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit Evaluation: If you purchased recalled Whatcom Blue or Farmhouse cheese or experienced health concerns from its use, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Whatcom Cheese Recall Class Action Lawsuit, and our lawyers can help.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/peterson-company-recalls-twin-sisters-creamery-brand-whatcom-blue-and-farmhouse-cheese-products
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/index.html
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/10/peterson-company-recalls-cheese-due-to-possible-listeria-contamination/