E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese

United States

Update April 30th, 2026:
The FDA and CDC have announced that the outbreak linked to RAW FARM, LLC products is now over. A total of 9 illnesses were reported across three states, with 3 hospitalizations and 1 case of HUS.

Further investigation confirmed that the E. coli strain found in a cheese sample was linked to a separate 2025 outbreak, and not the current outbreak. Additionally, no individuals from the 2025 outbreak reported consuming RAW FARM products.

Source: FDA


Update April 16, 2026:
The FDA has completed onsite inspections and collected 19 samples of RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. One sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Further analysis using whole genome sequencing (WGS) determined that the detected strain does not match the current outbreak strain, but instead matches a separate outbreak from 2025. That prior outbreak is no longer ongoing; however, officials are reviewing whether there is any connection to RAW FARM products.

The contaminated cheese sample was not distributed to retail and is not available for sale. Additional testing by state partners is ongoing.

Additionally, on April 2, 2026, RAW FARM, LLC initiated a voluntary recall of certain cheese products, which was updated on April 7, 2026, to revise product details.

The investigation remains active, and more updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Source: FDA / CDC


Update April 1st, 2026:
The FDA has initiated a sample collection.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks


Update March 30th, 2026:
Federal health agencies have reiterated their recommendation that RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from the market; however, the company has not responded.

An on-site inspection and product sample collection are currently underway at RAW FARM, LLC in coordination with state partners. As of now, no positive E. coli test results have been identified in RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products from this period.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Source: FDA


Update March 26th, 2026:
The outbreak has increased to 9 confirmed cases (up from 7), with 2 additional illnesses reported. Hospitalizations have risen to 3, and 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) has been reported. Cases continue to be reported across California, Florida, and Texas, with illness onset dates extending through February 20, 2026. Over half of the cases involve children under 5 years old.

Interviews indicate that all individuals with available information reported consuming raw dairy products, with confirmed exposure to RAW FARM-brand products, including raw cheddar cheese and raw milk.

The FDA has initiated an on-site inspection at RAW FARM, LLC. The investigation (#1369) remains ongoing, and no positive product test results have been confirmed at this time.

Source: FDA


March 15th, 2026:
RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese has been linked to an ongoing outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, with seven confirmed cases reported across California, Florida, and Texas. The FDA and CDC are investigating, and the outbreak has primarily affected young children, with two hospitalizations.

The outbreak involves Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can cause severe symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening conditions. Illness onset dates range from September 2025 to February 2026. Epidemiological evidence suggests that RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese is the likely source. Despite recommendations from the FDA, RAW FARM, LLC has declined to voluntarily remove its products from the market.

The issue was identified through interviews conducted by state and local public health officials, where all interviewed patients reported consuming RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese. Whole genome sequencing of E. coli isolates from affected individuals indicates a common source of infection. The FDA is continuing its investigation, including testing product samples, to determine the contamination source and any additional linked products. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026