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, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak has resulted in seven illnesses reported between September 2025 and February, with most cases involving children aged three and younger.
The FDA has recommended a voluntary recall of Raw Farm products, but the company has declined. A spokesperson for Raw Farm, Kaleigh Stanziani, stated that the company '100% DISAGREE WITH THE FDA’S FALSE ‘POSSIBLE LINK’, AND EXTREME ALLEGATIONS', and confirmed that all Raw Farm products tested negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7.
This development follows a separate incident in December 2024, when California recalled several raw milk products from Raw Farm after retail samples tested positive for bird flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long warned against raw milk consumption due to the risk of dangerous bacteria, yet its popularity has grown, partly due to support from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known raw milk advocate.
Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee has previously stated that Kennedy Jr. was a longtime customer. The FDA continues to investigate the outbreak, which has affected individuals in California, Florida, and Texas.
