The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, the country's largest raw milk distributor, as the 'likely source' of an E. coli outbreak affecting multiple states. The outbreak, caused by the O157:H7 strain, has sickened seven people between September 2025 and February, with most cases in children aged three and younger. Cases have been reported in California, Florida, and Texas.
Despite the FDA's recommendation, Raw Farm has declined to voluntarily recall its products. In a statement, company spokesperson Kaleigh Stanziani said the firm '100% DISAGREE WITH THE FDA’S FALSE “POSSIBLE LINK”, AND EXTREME ALLEGATIONS', adding that all products have tested negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7. No Raw Farm products have tested positive for E. coli in the current outbreak.
The outbreak follows a separate incident in December 2024, when California recalled several Raw Farm raw milk products after retail samples tested positive for bird flu. Bird flu has been rising since 2022, affecting poultry and cows, with California among 17 states detecting infections in cattle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long warned against raw milk products due to their higher risk of containing dangerous bacteria. However, raw milk consumption has increased in recent years, supported by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known proponent. Raw Farm CEO Mark McAfee has stated that Kennedy Jr. was a longtime customer.
