What We Know About the Raw Farm Cheese E. Coli Outbreak
CDC, FDA, and public health officials in three states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese and raw milk. As of April 16, 2026, 9 people across California, Florida, and Texas have been sickened, with 3 hospitalizations and 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported.
Over half the victims are children under the age of 5. The median age is 2 years old. Ages range from 1 to 28, with 67% of cases in males.
100% Exposure Rate in Interviews
Of the 8 people interviewed by CDC investigators, all 8 (100%) reported consuming unpasteurized dairy from Raw Farm. Of 7 with brand information available, all 7 identified Raw Farm. In 2026, 5 people reported eating Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese. In 2025, 2 people reported drinking Raw Farm raw milk. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically, indicating a common food source.
That is a strong epidemiological signal. When interview data and genetic analysis point to the same product, liability questions follow.
Raw Farm Delayed Recall for Over Two Weeks
On March 15, 2026, the FDA recommended that Raw Farm, LLC voluntarily remove their raw cheese products from the market. Raw Farm declined. The company did not act until April 2, 2026, when it issued a voluntary recall covering all raw cheddar cheeses — blocks, shredded, and bulk products. On April 7, Raw Farm revised the recall language, stating it “disputes being the cause of this outbreak” but acted “in the interest of public health and safety.”
During the FDA’s onsite inspection, the agency collected and analyzed 19 samples of Raw Farm cheese. One sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, but whole genome sequencing showed it matched a different 2025 outbreak strain, not the current one. That positive sample was not distributed to stores. Sample testing by state partners is ongoing.
The delay between the FDA’s recommendation and the recall is relevant legally. For over two weeks, a product linked to serious illness in children remained on store shelves while the company refused to act.
The Recalled Products
Raw Farm, LLC is based in Fresno, California. The recall covers:
- Raw Farm Raw Cheddar (block, 8 oz and 16 oz, original flavor, best-by on or before 8/23/2026)
- Raw Farm Raw Cheddar (block, 8 oz and 16 oz, jalapeno flavor, best-by on or before 9/24/2026)
- Raw Farm Raw Cheddar Simply Shredded (8 oz, original flavor, best-by on or before 5/13/2026)
- Raw Farm Raw Cheddar (80 oz bulk block, best-by on or before 8/11/2026)
- Raw Farm Raw Cheddar Simply Shredded (80 oz bulk, best-by on or before 5/6/2026)
All products are made with whole raw milk, aged a minimum of 60 days, and distributed nationwide. Sick people reported purchasing the cheese at Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B.
Federal regulations require raw milk cheeses to be aged at least 60 days, a rule intended to eliminate harmful bacteria. This outbreak shows that aging alone may not be sufficient to prevent contamination with E. coli O157:H7.
This Is Not Raw Farm’s First E. Coli Outbreak
In February 2024, the FDA investigated an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to the same Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese products. That outbreak sickened 11 people across 5 states, hospitalized 5, and caused 2 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the kidney failure complication most dangerous to young children.
Raw Farm initially issued a voluntary recall on February 16, 2024. Ten days later, on February 26, Raw Farm withdrew the recall while the outbreak investigation was still active, despite the FDA stating that epidemiologic evidence showed Raw Farm cheese was the likely source.
In July 2024, a separate Salmonella outbreak linked to Raw Farm raw milk sickened an estimated 165 people. Later that year, Raw Farm was ordered to recall raw milk products twice after testing detected bird flu (H5N1) contamination.
The pattern matters legally. A company with a documented history of contamination events involving the same product and the same pathogen faces a harder time arguing it had no knowledge of the risk.
Why E. coli O157:H7 Is a Serious Threat to Children
E. coli O157:H7 produces Shiga toxin, which can damage the lining of blood vessels and organs. While most healthy adults recover in 5 to 7 days, young children and older adults are at risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication that can cause:
- Kidney failure requiring dialysis
- Destruction of red blood cells and low platelet counts
- Permanent kidney damage in severe cases
HUS typically develops 5 to 10 days after diarrhea starts. Warning signs include decreased urination, extreme tiredness, and unexplained bruising. Any child who develops bloody diarrhea after eating raw cheese needs immediate medical evaluation.
Your Legal Rights
If you or your child consumed Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese and developed E. coli symptoms, your family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, hospitalization costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Cases involving children with complications like HUS or kidney injury carry significant value because of the severity and potential long-term impact.
Raw Farm’s delay in issuing the recall is an important factor. The company was put on notice on March 15 that its product may be causing serious illness in children. It declined to act for over two weeks. That decision to keep selling the product while children were getting sick can be central to negligence and recklessness claims.
Ron Simon & Associates is a food poisoning law firm that has recovered over $850 million for victims nationwide. Our attorneys have an exclusive focus on foodborne illness litigation and are actively investigating this outbreak. You pay us nothing unless we win your case.
What You Should Do Now
- Stop eating Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese immediately and dispose of it
- Watch for symptoms in anyone who ate the cheese, especially children: severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting
- Get medical care immediately if symptoms appear, and ask your doctor to test for E. coli O157:H7
- Monitor children for HUS warning signs for up to 2 weeks after diarrhea starts: decreased urination, extreme fatigue, unexplained bruising
- Save any remaining cheese and packaging as evidence
- Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation at 1-888-335-4901