Raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, the largest raw milk distributor in the United States, has been identified as the 'likely source' of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak affecting multiple states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported infections in California, Florida and Texas, though no Raw Farm products have tested positive for the bacteria.
Seven people have fallen ill between September 2025 and February, with the majority of cases in children aged three and younger. The bacteria strain can cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and, in rare instances, acute kidney failure leading to hospitalisation or death.
Despite the FDA's recommendation, Raw Farm has declined to voluntarily recall its products. Spokesperson Kaleigh Stanziani stated that the company '100% DISAGREE WITH THE FDA’S FALSE 'POSSIBLE LINK', AND EXTREME ALLEGATIONS', adding that all products have been confirmed negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7.
This incident follows a December 2024 recall of Raw Farm raw milk products after retail samples tested positive for bird flu in Santa Clara County, California. Bird flu has been increasing since 2022, affecting poultry and cows, with California among 17 states detecting infections in cows.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long warned against raw milk products due to higher risks of dangerous bacteria. However, raw milk consumption has risen in recent years, supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has pledged to aid farmers selling it. Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee has stated that Kennedy Jr was a longtime customer.
