FDA, CDC Probe E. coli Outbreak Tied to Raw Farm Cheese Recall

FDA and CDC have linked nine E. coli illnesses in three states to RAW FARM-brand raw dairy products.

The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, now confirmed to have sickened nine people across California, Florida, and Texas since September 2025. During this outbreak, over half of those affected are children younger than five. Three patients required hospitalization and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication.

• On April 2, RAW FARM, LLC issued a recall of specific raw cheddar cheese products, including original and jalapeño flavors in various sizes and expiration dates stretching through September 2026. Shredded and bulk versions are also affected.
• The recall comes "under protest," with RAW FARM disputing the link between their products and the outbreak: "This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest," the company stated.
• All interviewed ill persons reported consuming RAW FARM-brand products. Former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas emphasized the compelling evidence: "The statistical likelihood of that just being pure chance is almost zero."
• FDA teams performed onsite inspections and collected samples at RAW FARM facilities. As of April 3, 2026, no facility samples have returned positive for E. coli.
• Agencies continue to advise against eating, selling, or serving any recalled RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheeses.

The situation highlights ongoing legal and regulatory risks tied to raw dairy product sales. Food companies, especially those marketing unpasteurized products, should prepare for increasing oversight and potential litigation as cases unfold.

Yes, but: FDA has not reported positive E. coli samples from RAW FARM facilities as of April 3, leaving the precise contamination source undetermined.

What's next: FDA and CDC sample analyses are ongoing, and further regulatory or enforcement actions may follow as new results emerge.