The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health alert linking Raw Farm, a California-based raw milk dairy, to an E. coli outbreak involving cheddar cheese. This incident has resulted in nine reported illnesses across three states, with more than half of the affected individuals being children under the age of five.
Outbreak Details and Health Impacts
According to the FDA, bacterial samples from patients who fell ill between September of last year and February 2026 show genetic similarities, confirming the outbreak's connection. Seven cases have been reported in California, while Florida and Texas have each reported one case. Three people have been hospitalized due to infection with a dangerous strain of E. coli known as O157:H7. One patient developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Raw Farm's History of Outbreaks
Raw Farm, located in Fresno, California, is the largest producer of raw milk in the United States. This is not the first time the farm has been associated with public health issues. In December 2024, Raw Farm was identified as the source of H5N1 bird flu in three cats from the Los Angeles area that consumed raw milk, resulting in two fatalities. Concerns were raised about cats potentially acting as mixing vessels for avian and mammalian influenza viruses.
Additionally, in 2024, the farm was linked to the largest salmonella outbreak in over a decade, which sickened at least 165 people. The FDA has now labeled Raw Farm as the likely source of the current E. coli outbreak, though no products have tested positive for the bacteria to date.
Response from Raw Farm and Regulatory Actions
Aaron McAfee, president of Raw Farm, stated in an interview with NBC News that he will not voluntarily recall any products without direct proof linking them to the illnesses. He mentioned that 81 samples purchased from retail stores in California tested negative for E. coli. Despite this, the FDA has recommended that Raw Farm voluntarily remove cheese products from store shelves while the investigation continues.
An FDA spokesperson confirmed that the agency's investigation is ongoing and includes an on-site inspection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised consumers to consider avoiding this cheese and to thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with it.
The FDA has not issued a mandatory recall, but the outbreak advisory aims to inform consumers, restaurants, and retailers about the potential risks associated with Raw Farm's cheese products.
