Urgent warning after E. coli outbreak linked to cheese leaves multiple people ill

Health officials are investigating a E. coli outbreak in raw cheddar cheese distributed across the United States following two hospitalisations.

As of 14 March, seven infections have been reported across California, Florida, and Texas, with four of the cases being three years old or younger.

Known illness onset dates range from 1 September 2025 to 13 February 2026, and 100 percent all interviewed people (three) reported eating RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese.

The FDA confirmed that state and local officials are working to ‘gather additional data for the four other illnesses, including two illnesses that occurred in 2025’.

“Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products made by RAW FARM, LLC are the likely source of this outbreak,” the agency confirmed.

RAW FARM, LLC has declined to voluntarily remove their raw cheddar blocks and shredded products from the market amid the investigation, the agency said in a notice.

A brand of cheddar cheese has been linked to an E. coli breakout (FDA)

In a statement to consumers, the business itself said: “We do not release any products unless we know that they are pathogen-free. The FDA and CDC have taken premature, unwarranted, and unfounded action against Raw Farm.”

Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended not to eat the products while the inquiry continues.

Epidemiological data suggest that illness has been caused by an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

This type of bacteria can cause kidney issues, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which requires urgent hospitalisation and may lead to death.

Results of the E.coli probe initiated by state partners are not yet available.

The FDA has said it will update advisory information should additional information become available.

Cheese consumers with E. coli infection symptoms, such as severe stomach cramps, fever, fatigue and nausea, should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

It’s advised that anyone with an illness or serious allergic reaction call an FDA Complaint Coordinator, complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online, or mail the FDA a paper version of the latter.

In the meantime, clean and sanitise any surfaces, utensils, or containers that the potentially contaminated cheese may have come into contact with and dispose of the product.

The FDA has recommended that the company voluntarily recall the product from shelves (FDA)

Dangers of consuming raw milk cheese

Unlike raw milk, the ageing process that many raw and unpasturised cheeses undergo can destroy many bacteria, as per experts at Consumer Reports. This is why the FDA requires any cheese made from raw milk to be aged at least 60 days.

However, even though the aging process mitigates most of the risk, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely, said James E. Rogers, director of product and food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports.

“In this case, assuming that the manufacturer aged for 60 days, E. coli bacteria may have still emerged and possibly made people sick,” he stated.

FOODbible has reached out to RAW FARM for comment.