Patient Count in Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak Grows, Majority are Young Children
The patient count in the Escherichia coli outbreak involving Raw Farm-brand raw (unpasteurized) cheddar cheese products has grown to nine people in three states, including one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
More than half of the patients in the outbreak are younger than five years old. Cases have been reported in California (seven), Texas (one), and Florida (one). The illnesses range between September 1, 2025 and February 20, 2026.
The clinical E. coli O157:H7 isolates from outbreak patients are closely genetically related, determined by whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis.
Epidemiologic Evidence Points to Raw Farm Dairy Products
Epidemiologic evidence points to raw dairy products produced by Raw Farm LLC of Fresno, California as the likely vehicle of illness.
Of the eight patients interviewed, seven reported consuming Raw Farm-brand dairy products, and the eighth person reported consuming raw milk but did not remember the brand.
In 2026, five people reported consuming Raw Farm-brand Cheddar Cheese, and in 2025, two people reported consuming Raw Farm-brand raw milk.
Raw Farm Refuses to Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised Raw Farm LLC to issue a voluntary product recall, but the firm has so far refused.
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In a statement, Raw Farm President and Owner Aaron McAfee said, “Absolutely no. We disagree [with FDA’s allegations]. Based on the evidence and facts we’ve reviewed… for the first time in our company’s history we declined a voluntary recall. In the past, we’ve had recalls, we’ve owned it… this is different.” He went on to say that Raw Farm LLC tests every batch of cheese prior to its release to the market, as well as the milk that is used to produce cheese prior to production.
A congressional Food Safety Caucus has urged FDA to force a recall of Raw Farm products, saying, “If mandatory authority needs to be strengthened, the Food Safety Caucus stands ready to tackle this issue at FDA’s request.”
FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or eat whole or shredded Raw Farm Raw Cheddar Cheese or serve it to children. Raw dairy products pose a higher risk of contamination compared to their pasteurized counterparts. Vulnerable populations, including young children, are more susceptible to infection and developing serious illnesses from contaminated raw dairy products.
Testing and Inspections Ongoing
In coordination with state public health partners, FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at Raw Farm’s operation in Fresno, California.
As part of the investigation, state partners have begun collecting product samples for testing and analysis. So far, FDA is not aware of any E. coli-positive samples of Raw Farm cheddar cheese products from the outbreak time period.
Update, April 16, 2026: During its investigation of the ongoing outbreak involving Raw Farm cheddar cheese, FDA detected E. coli O157:H7 in a product sample not matching the current outbreak strain, but instead matching a strain from a different 2025 outbreak. Details here.
Update, April 30, 2026: The outbreak has ended. Congressmembers questioned why FDA did not use its mandatory recall authority in this outbreak during an April 29 hearing. Read more here.
Update, July 16, 2026: According to a newly published Executive Incident Summary (EIS) from FDA, "Based on the combined epidemiologic, limited traceback, and laboratory data, raw cheddar cheese and raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC were confirmed as the outbreak vehicle. Epidemiologic analysis and a limited traceback investigation identified Raw Farm, LLC as the common supplier for raw cheddar cheese products consumed by or served to cases included in this outbreak. Full scope, for-cause inspections with sample and data collection were performed at three Raw Farm, LLC locations. As a result of each of these inspections, FDA Form 483s were issued for inadequate maintenance of equipment, lack of preventive controls, and unsanitary handling of product during processing and production.
