According to the FDA and CDC, as of Thursday, November 4, 2010, 25 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from five states since mid-October. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (11), CA (1), CO (8), NM (3) and NV (2). There have been 9 reported hospitalizations, 1 possible case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths.

Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese, (Costco item 40654) offered for sale and in cheese sampling events at Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) locations is preliminarily linked with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. On the Bravo Farms website:

Dutch Style Gouda

Handmade in small wheels and hand dipped in red wax, it has a soft creamy texture that pairs well with many foods. This a traditional style Dutch cheese that we know you will love. Also available in square blocks for easy cooking and cubing for parties. (formerly Queso Bravo)

Ingredients: Whole raw milk,

culture, salt, annato & vegetarian rennet.

Aged 2 months

-Absolutely All Natural

-Made with Raw Milk

-No Artificial Hormones

-Vegetarian Approved

-Lactose Intolerant Safe

-100% Handmade

Really? Costco, a food safety leader selling raw milk cheeses? Did the consumers know what they were eating?