Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese Implicated in Multistate E. Coli Outbreak
Raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, the largest raw milk distributor in the United States, has been identified as the likely source of a multistate E. coli outbreak, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak has affected individuals in California, Florida, and Texas, with infections reported between September 2025 and February 2026. Despite this link, no Raw Farm products have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, the specific strain involved.
Health Risks and Illness Details
The E. coli O157:H7 strain can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in rare cases, acute kidney failure, which may lead to hospitalization or death. So far, seven people have fallen ill, with the majority of cases occurring in children aged three and younger. Health officials emphasize the heightened vulnerability of young children to such bacterial infections.
Raw Farm's Response and FDA Recommendations
Raw Farm has declined to voluntarily recall its products, despite recommendations from the FDA. Kaleigh Stanziani, a spokesperson for Raw Farm, stated in an email to the Guardian that the company "100% DISAGREE WITH THE FDA'S FALSE 'POSSIBLE LINK', AND EXTREME ALLEGATIONS." Stanziani asserted that all Raw Farm products have been confirmed negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7, and denied any action by California authorities.
Previous Recalls and Bird Flu Concerns
This update follows a previous recall in December 2024, when California recalled several raw milk products from Raw Farm after retail samples tested positive for bird flu. The infected samples were detected by Santa Clara county officials. Bird flu has been on the rise since 2022, impacting poultry and dairy cows, with California among the states reporting infections in dairy herds.
Growing Concerns Over Raw Milk Consumption
The Centers for Disease Control has long warned consumers to avoid raw milk products due to their higher likelihood of containing dangerous bacteria. However, raw milk consumption has increased in recent years, raising concerns among health experts. Notably, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a proponent of raw milk, has pledged support for farmers selling these products. Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee has claimed that Kennedy Jr is a longtime customer.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge caution and adherence to food safety guidelines to prevent further illnesses.
