Raw Farm Cheese Tests Positive for E. coli in Ongoing FDA and CDC Investigation
Raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, LLC has tested positive for E. coli bacteria amid a multi-state outbreak investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The discovery comes after months of disputes between health agencies and the dairy company over the safety of its unpasteurized products.
Outbreak Timeline and Company Resistance
The FDA and CDC first raised alarms on March 15, 2026, linking Raw Farm's raw dairy products to illnesses across several states. Initially, the outbreak was associated with nine reported illnesses and three hospitalizations, including one patient who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening kidney complication. Despite health officials' urgent calls for a recall, Raw Farm repeatedly denied any connection between its products and the infections.
The company maintained that its own testing showed negative results for E. coli and issued statements claiming it "100 percent disagreed" with the agencies' conclusions. This resistance continued through multiple updates from health authorities, who reported additional illnesses and hospitalizations tied to the outbreak.
Positive Test Results and Strain Analysis
This week, health officials confirmed that one sample of Raw Farm cheddar cheese tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. However, the strain identified differs from that affecting patients in the current outbreak. Instead, it matches the strain from a separate 2025 outbreak that is no longer active.
Importantly, the contaminated cheese sample from this year was not distributed to consumers. The CDC and FDA are now investigating whether individuals involved in the 2025 outbreak had consumed Raw Farm products, potentially expanding the scope of their inquiry.
Recall Under Protest and Distribution Details
After nearly three weeks of resistance, Raw Farm agreed to recall its cheddar cheeses on April 2, 2026. The company emphasized it was doing so "under protest" and continued to "contest" the alleged link between its products and illnesses. In their recall notice, Raw Farm stated that "no pathogens" had been found in their products as of that date.
The affected products include:
- Raw Farm Lightly Salted Cheddar Block (8oz, 16oz, 80oz sizes)
- Raw Farm Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred (8oz)
- Bag of Original Cheddar Shred (80oz)
- Jalapeno Cheddar Block (8oz, 16oz)
These cheeses were sold at Sprouts, H-E-B, and other grocery stores with best-before dates extending through late September 2026. The FDA has published detailed batch and barcode information on its official website.
Patient Information and Health Risks
Patients affected by the current outbreak reside in California, Texas, and Florida. Among those interviewed by health officials, five reported consuming Raw Farm cheddar cheese, while two reported drinking raw milk. Over half of the patients are children under five years old, a demographic particularly vulnerable to foodborne pathogens.
The CDC warns that raw milk products carry increased risks of exposure to dangerous bacteria, including E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals face the greatest danger from these pathogens.
Safety Recommendations and Historical Context
Health authorities advise consumers to immediately discard any affected Raw Farm cheeses or return them to retailers for full refunds. Those who have recently consumed the products should monitor for symptoms including fever above 102°F (39°C), diarrhea lasting more than three days, and vomiting. Thorough cleaning of surfaces with hot soapy water or dishwashers is also recommended.
This E. coli strain has historical significance, having been linked to a major McDonald's recall in 2024 involving onions used in Quarter Pounders. That incident resulted in 104 illnesses, 34 hospitalizations, and one death.
While no fatalities have been reported in the current Raw Farm outbreak, officials continue to urge anyone who believes they were sickened by the cheese to come forward. The investigation remains active as health agencies test additional Raw Farm products for potential contamination.
