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Raw Farm Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Cheeses Amidst E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak

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Raw Farm Recalls Raw Milk Cheddar Amid E. coli Outbreak Linked to Nine Illnesses

Nine individuals across California, Texas, and Florida have been linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, prompting Raw Farm to recall several of its raw milk cheddar cheese products. The illnesses, primarily affecting children under five, led to three hospitalizations and one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Raw Farm initiated the recall "under protest," stating it contests the epidemiological links provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Outbreak Details

As of mid-February, nine individuals have been identified with E. coli infections across three states:

  • California (7 cases)
  • Texas (1 case)
  • Florida (1 case)

The onset of illnesses occurred between September and mid-February. Over half of the affected individuals are children under the age of five.

Reported symptoms among those infected include stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Three individuals have been hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure. No fatalities have been reported in connection with this outbreak.

Investigation and Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into the outbreak in mid-March. Of eight infected individuals interviewed by health officials, seven reported consuming Raw Farm-brand products prior to their illness. Specifically, two individuals reported drinking Raw Farm raw milk in 2025, and five individuals reported consuming Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese in 2026. Genetic analysis of E. coli strains from affected individuals indicated a close relationship among them, suggesting a shared source of infection.

The FDA recommended that Raw Farm recall its raw milk cheddar cheese products. Initially, the company declined. Raw Farm later initiated a voluntary recall of specific raw milk cheddar cheeses.

Raw Farm President Aaron McAfee stated that the company made the recall "under protest" and continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.

FDA and state health officials have conducted an inspection at a Raw Farm facility. The FDA is currently testing product samples for E. coli but has not yet confirmed a positive test result from any product.

Recalled Products

The recalled items, listed by Raw Farm, include:

  • 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block; Batch: 20251027-2; Expiration: 8/23/2026
  • 80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block; Batch: 20251015-4; Expiration: 8/11/2026
  • 16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block; Batch: 20251027-4; Expiration: 8/23/2026
  • 80 oz Bag of Original Cheddar Shred; Batch: 20260205; Expiration: 5/6/2026
  • 16 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block; Batch: 20251128-1J; Expiration: 9/24/2026
  • 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred; Batch: 20260212; Expiration: 5/13/2026
  • 8 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block; Batch: 20251128-2J; Expiration: 9/24/2026

The recall also encompasses batches produced prior to the listed dates for these products.

Context: Raw Milk and Public Health Concerns

Raw milk products are made from dairy that has not undergone pasteurization, a heating process designed to eliminate bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that consuming raw milk can pose serious health risks due to potential exposure to such bacteria.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro and members of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus have urged the FDA to exercise its mandatory recall authority for the Raw Farm products. The FDA has not announced whether it will proceed with a mandatory recall.

Raw Farm has been associated with previous E. coli outbreaks, including one in 2024 that was also linked to raw cheddar cheese and resulted in five hospitalizations.

Health Recommendations

The FDA recommends that individuals not consume the recalled Raw Farm raw milk cheddar cheeses. The CDC advises that while most people infected with E. coli recover within five to seven days, certain groups face higher risks of severe illness. These groups include:

  • Children under five
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals over 65
  • Those with weakened immune systems

Symptoms that warrant medical attention include diarrhea lasting longer than three days, excessive vomiting, and a fever exceeding 102 degrees Fahrenheit.