COOPERSVILLE, MI (WHTC) – Seven people are recovering from illnesses believed to be linked to eating cheese from an Ottawa County farm.
State health and agriculture officials are investigating the E. coli infections, which they believe are tied to cheese produced by Grassfields Cheese near Coopersville. Six of the seven victims are Michigan residents. The ages range from 15 to 37. Several of those who became ill reported eating Grassfields cheese products in multiple restaurant settings around the state.
State health officials say bacteria matching the E. coli strain in the ill individuals was found in one Grassfields cheese sample thorugh testing at state labs, and more testing is being done. Grassfields earlier this week issued a voluntary nationwide recall of all of its cheeses produced from December 1 of last year through June 1. The cheeses that are being recalled include Gouda, Onion ‘n Garlic, Country Dill, Leyden, Edam, Lamont Cheddar, Chili Cheese, Fait Fras, Polkton Corners and Crofters.
Anyone who has recently eaten Grassfields Cheese products and is experiencing symptoms should call their healthcare provider and their local health department.
Story by Greg Chandler
