FDA Puts Non-Toxigenic E. Coli Testing On Hold

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a statement declaring its intent to pause its testing program for non-toxigenic E. coli in cheese in order to further re-evaluate its criteria.

The statement, which can be read in full by clicking here, says in part that the agency will “continue to inspect cheese-making facilities and test for pathogens in domestic and imported cheese but, in the meantime, FDA is in the process of pausing its testing program for non-toxigenic E. coli in cheese.”

News of this announcement comes after cheesemakers raised concerns on whether the safety criteria would limit the production of raw milk cheese without demonstrably benefitting public health.

The American Cheese Society (ACS) applauded the efforts that have been taken by various industry members to engage in a meaningful dialogue and make their voices heard.

“We are proud that our advocacy efforts, in conjunction with those of so many allied industry groups that share our interests, have made a real impact on the regulatory landscape,” the American Cheese Society said in an email. “Of course, our work is not over. We continue to maintain a keen focus on preserving traditional cheesemaking for generations to come.”

The FDA will hold a Listening Session later this week in Washington, D.C. to hear directly from ACS raw milk cheesemakers. ACS President, Dick Roe, and ACS Executive Director, Nora Weiser, will be joined by seven raw milk cheesemakers nationwide, who will share their stories and speak to the impact of raw milk cheese regulatory changes on their businesses. These producers include:

• Gianaclis Caldwell, Pholia Farm Creamery and Dairy (OR)
• Lynn Giacomini Stray, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese (CA)
• Andy Hatch, Uplands Cheese Company (WI)
• Mateo Kehler, Jasper Hill Farm (VT)
• Jeremy Little, Sweet Grass Dairy (GA)
• Marieke Penterman, Holland's Family Cheese (WI)
• Jeremy Stephenson, Spring Brook Farm and Farms for City Kids Foundation (VT)

Michael Taylor, Deputy Director for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, and other FDA colleagues will be present to hear from these producers, and they will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in candid dialogue.

The FDA says that it will continue to work with the industry to ensure that the right science-based, prevention-oriented standards and safety criteria are in place and that there is widespread compliance in the interest of food safety and consumer confidence.