FDA links Raw Farm raw cheddar to E. coli outbreak; maker refuses recall
Mar 18th 2026
The FDA says Raw Farm raw cheddar is the likely source of seven E. coli cases across three states, but the cheese maker rejects the finding and has refused a voluntary recall.
- FDA linked Raw Farm raw (unpasteurized) cheddar to a multistate Shiga toxin producing E. coli outbreak.
- Seven illnesses were reported in California (5), Florida (1), and Texas (1), with two hospitalizations and no deaths.
- Four of the seven cases were children age 3 or younger.
- Illness onset ranged from September to February 13 and genetic testing shows the strains are highly related.
- All three patients fully interviewed reported eating Raw Farm-branded raw cheddar.
- State partners are collecting cheese samples for laboratory testing and results are pending.
- FDA recommended a voluntary market removal but Raw Farm declined and publicly disputed the agency’s findings.