FDA probes multistate E. coli outbreak tied to RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese — and the company has declined a federal recommendation to remove its products from the market.

The FDA and CDC, working with state and local partners, are probing an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to RAW FARM-brand block and shredded cheddar cheeses, the agencies said. As of March 14, seven confirmed cases have been reported across three states — California with five, and Florida and Texas with one each. Illness onset dates run from Sept. 1, 2025, through Feb. 13, 2026, and two patients have been hospitalized. No deaths or cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome have been reported, according to the FDA.

Whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates from sick patients shows the strains are closely related genetically, indicating a likely common source, the agency said. Of the seven cases, four involve children three years old or younger — the median age of those sickened is three.

State and local health officials interviewed three ill people about their food exposures, and all three reported consuming RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese, the FDA said. Epidemiologic evidence points to RAW FARM, LLC products as the likely outbreak source.

The FDA recommended that RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from the market. The company declined, according to the agency. To date, no RAW FARM cheddar cheese products from the relevant time period have tested positive for E. coli, though state partners have initiated sample collection and results are pending, the FDA said. The product is distributed nationally.

E. coli O157:H7 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, with symptoms appearing a few days after exposure or up to nine days later, according to the FDA. In serious cases it can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome, a form of kidney failure that can be fatal.

The FDA says consumers, restaurants, and retailers that purchased or received RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar — including wholesale products — may wish to carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with it. Anyone who ate the cheese and is experiencing symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection is advised to contact a healthcare provider, the agency said.