Raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, the largest raw milk distributor in the United States, has been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak, according to recent reports. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified the California-based company's products as the "likely source" of several E. coli O157:H7 infections across California, Florida, and Texas.
Outbreak Details and Health Risks
So far, seven people have fallen ill between September 2025 and February, with the majority of cases involving children aged three and younger. The E. coli strain involved can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in rare instances, acute kidney failure, which may lead to hospitalization or even death.
Despite these findings, no Raw Farm products have tested positive for E. coli in official tests. The company has declined to voluntarily recall its items, despite recommendations from the FDA to do so.
Company Response and Disputes
Kaleigh Stanziani, a spokesperson for Raw Farm, strongly contested the FDA's claims in an email to the Guardian. She stated that the company "100% DISAGREE WITH THE FDA'S FALSE 'POSSIBLE LINK', AND EXTREME ALLEGATIONS," asserting that all Raw Farm products have been confirmed negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7.
Stanziani also denied that California is taking any regulatory action against the company, contradicting earlier reports of state-level interventions.
Previous Recalls and Bird Flu Concerns
This latest development follows a recall in December 2024, when California recalled several raw milk products from Raw Farm after at least two retail samples tested positive for bird flu. The infected samples were detected by Santa Clara county officials during routine retail testing.
Bird flu has been on the rise since 2022, affecting poultry and dairy cows nationwide. California was among the first states to detect the virus in dairy cows, with infections now reported in 16 additional states.
Health Warnings and Raw Milk Trends
The Centers for Disease Control has long advised consumers to avoid raw milk products due to their higher likelihood of containing dangerous bacteria. However, raw milk consumption has increased in recent years, raising concerns among health experts.
Notably, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a proponent of raw milk, has pledged support for farmers who sell these products. Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee has even declared that Kennedy Jr is a longtime customer of the company.
As the situation unfolds, health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, emphasizing the importance of food safety measures in preventing further illnesses.
