E. coli outbreak linked to RAW FARM raw milk cheese declared over – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the end of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak connected to raw milk cheese from RAW FARM LLC. Nine individuals fell ill across California, Texas, and Florida, with illnesses spanning from September 1, 2025, to February 20, 2026. More than half of those affected were children younger than 5 years old, highlighting risks for vulnerable groups. Three patients required hospitalization, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that threatens kidney function.
Scope of the Illnesses
Health officials traced the infections to consumption of RAW FARM-brand products. Among seven patients interviewed who recalled the brand, all confirmed eating these items. Five people in 2026 reported raw cheddar cheese, while two in 2025 mentioned raw milk.
The outbreak prompted close scrutiny because of its impact on young children. Hemolytic uremic syndrome emerged in one case, underscoring potential for severe complications like kidney failure or neurological issues. Investigators noted no further illnesses after February, paving the way for the CDC’s declaration.
FDA Investigation and Recall Challenges
The Food and Drug Administration first alerted the public on March 15 about the outbreak. Agency officials requested a voluntary recall of RAW FARM’s cheddar cheese products. The company delayed compliance for three weeks despite repeated urgings, before issuing the recall.
During inspections at the farm and processing sites, regulators collected 19 samples of the raw cheddar cheese. One tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Whole genome sequencing linked this strain to isolates from patients, as well as a separate 2025 outbreak that had already concluded.
Follow-up checks revealed no epidemiological ties between the two events. The positive cheese from the prior incident never reached stores. Currently, no additional samples await analysis from federal or state labs.
Key Outbreak Facts:
- 9 cases in California, Texas, and Florida.
- 3 hospitalizations, 1 with hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Over half under age 5.
- RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese implicated in five 2026 cases.
- Recall issued after FDA’s three-week push.
Scrutiny from Congress and Food Safety Advocates
Lawmakers and experts questioned the FDA’s handling of the response. At a House subcommittee hearing, Representative Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, criticized the approach under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had advocated for the company.
“For some reason, the FDA did not require a recall on this company, they said it was up to the company if they wanted,” Landsman stated. Steven Mandernach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, argued for stronger measures. “It’s not very often used, but we have historically not seen them get a voluntary recall from a firm that they felt really needed to do it, so this is unusual,” he noted.
Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group echoed those concerns. “Simply threatening to order a mandatory recall is usually enough. It did not work in this case. And this is a tailor-made example of when the FDA should have used its recall power, so it is very troubling,” Faber told Brownfield Ag News. Representative Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut, raised the issue directly with Kennedy, calling the public alert’s language unprecedented for lacking firm consumer directives.
Resolution and Ongoing Vigilance
With the outbreak now closed, public health agencies emphasized the importance of monitoring raw dairy products. The CDC’s determination came after exhaustive tracing and testing confirmed no active threat. Families, particularly those with young children, gained reassurance amid the resolution.
Food safety remains a priority, especially for unpasteurized items prone to bacterial contamination. Officials urged continued caution with raw milk cheeses, even as this specific episode concluded without pending risks.
