Raw Farm, a California-based producer of raw milk cheddar cheese, has issued a voluntary recall of several products following an E. coli outbreak linked to its cheese. The recall comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a connection between the company's products and nine reported illnesses across three states.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The FDA confirmed that nine people fell ill between September 2025 and February 2026 after consuming Raw Farm's cheese. Three individuals were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can lead to kidney failure. More than half of the cases involved children under five. No deaths have been reported.
Raw Farm initially resisted the recall, citing negative test results for E. coli in its products. However, the company ultimately complied with the FDA's request, issuing the recall "under protest" while maintaining that its cheese is not the source of the outbreak.
Deeper Dive & Context
Recalled Products
The recall includes several varieties of Raw Farm's cheddar cheese, with expiration dates ranging from May 2026 to September 2026. Affected products include:
- 8-ounce Lightly Salted Cheddar Block (Batch 20251027-2, Barcode 835204001177, Expiration 8/23/2026)
- 80-ounce Lightly Salted Cheddar Block (Batch 20251015-4, Barcode 835204001160, Expiration 8/11/2026)
- 16-ounce Lightly Salted Cheddar Block (Batch 20251027-4, Barcode 835204000156, Expiration 8/23/2026)
- 80-ounce Original Cheddar Shred (Batch 20260205, Barcode 835204000194, Expiration 5/6/2026)
- 8-ounce Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred (Batch 20260212, Barcode 835204001184, Expiration 5/13/2026)
- 16-ounce Jalapeno Cheddar Block (Batch 20251128-1J, Barcode 835204000354, Expiration 9/24/2026)
- 8-ounce Jalapeno Cheddar Block (Batch 20251128-2J, Barcode 835204000330, Expiration 9/24/2026)
Consumers are advised to return affected products to the point of purchase for a full refund. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled cheese.
Company and Regulatory Perspectives
Raw Farm has consistently maintained that its products are safe, citing negative test results for E. coli. The company argues that the FDA's investigation has not conclusively linked its cheese to the outbreak. The FDA, however, has stated that epidemiological evidence supports the connection.
Public Health Concerns
The outbreak has reignited debates over the safety of raw milk products, which have seen increased popularity in recent years. Raw milk is not pasteurized, leaving it susceptible to harmful bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter. Health officials continue to warn against consuming unpasteurized dairy products, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The recall highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory agencies and producers of raw dairy products. While the FDA has authority over interstate commerce, some states allow the sale of raw milk under specific conditions. The agency has previously taken enforcement actions against raw milk producers, citing public health risks.
Consumer Advice
The FDA and CDC urge consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled products and dispose of or return them immediately. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.