Latest Updates
FDA and CDC announced March 15, 2026 that epidemiologic evidence links RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese to the outbreak, with all three interviewed victims reporting consumption of the product. [1] FDA recommended RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove raw cheese products from the market, but the firm declined. [1] Whole genome sequencing shows bacterial isolates from patients are closely genetically related, confirming a common infection source. [1] [2] Consumer Reports noted this is not RAW Farm’s first E. coli outbreak—the company faced similar contamination in February 2024, initially issuing then withdrawing a voluntary recall claiming testing found no E. coli. [3]
Seven Confirmed Infections Across Three States
Illness onset dates range September 1, 2025 to February 13, 2026. Five cases occurred in California, one in Florida, and one in Texas, with product distributed nationwide creating ongoing exposure risk.
Four Children Age Three or Younger
The median victim age is three years old. Young children face heightened risk from E. coli O157:H7 due to developing immune systems and smaller body mass concentrating bacterial toxins.
Two Hospitalizations
Two patients required hospitalization for severe symptoms. Hospital treatment includes intravenous fluids, electrolyte monitoring, and observation for hemolytic uremic syndrome development.
Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli
E. coli O157:H7 produces Shiga toxin that damages blood vessel linings in intestines and kidneys. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea, and vomiting beginning three to four days after consumption.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Risk
HUS causes blood clots throughout the body, destroying red blood cells and blocking kidney filters. This life-threatening complication requires hospitalization and can cause permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.
No Products Test Positive Yet
FDA confirmed no RAW FARM cheddar cheese products from the outbreak period tested positive for E. coli as of March 14, 2026. State partners initiated product sample collection for testing with results pending.
Company Refuses Voluntary Recall
RAW FARM, LLC declined FDA’s recommendation to remove raw cheese products from market despite epidemiologic evidence linking products to infections. The company disputes FDA allegations, claiming all products test negative for harmful bacteria.
Block and Shredded Cheddar Varieties
Victims reported eating RAW FARM-brand block and shredded raw cheddar cheese. Both varieties are made from unpasteurized milk from grass-grazed cows and aged minimum 60 days.
Sold at Sprouts and Natural Food Stores
RAW FARM products sold at Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide and natural/health food stores in multiple states. Widespread distribution increases victim count and complicates outbreak containment.
Repeat Offender History
RAW Farm faced E. coli outbreak investigation in February 2024 involving raw milk cheddar cheese. The company issued voluntary recall February 16, 2024, then withdrew it ten days later claiming negative test results.
Raw Milk Contamination Risks
Unpasteurized dairy products can harbor E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Pasteurization heats milk to destroy dangerous bacteria without affecting nutritional value.
60-Day Aging Requirement
FDA requires raw milk cheese aged minimum 60 days before sale, as aging destroys many bacteria. RAW Farm claims products exceed this requirement, but aging does not eliminate all E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
Cross-Contamination Hazard
FDA advises consumers, restaurants, and retailers to clean and sanitize surfaces and containers that contacted RAW FARM raw cheddar using hot soapy water. Cross-contamination spreads bacteria to other foods and preparation surfaces.
Failure to Warn Consumers
RAW FARM, LLC knew of FDA outbreak investigation but refused voluntary recall, continuing sales without warnings. Selling contaminated food products during active outbreak investigations demonstrates negligence and disregard for public safety.
Design Defect in Production Process
Raw milk cheese production that repeatedly causes E. coli outbreaks contains inherent design defects. Manufacturing processes must eliminate pathogenic bacteria through pasteurization or validated alternatives.
Inadequate Testing Protocols
RAW Farm’s testing failed to detect E. coli contamination linked to infections through epidemiologic evidence. Testing protocols must sample sufficient product volumes and use validated detection methods identifying all pathogenic strains.
Hospitalization and Medical Expenses
E. coli victims face emergency room visits, hospital admissions, IV treatments, kidney function monitoring, and potential dialysis. Medical expenses escalate rapidly when HUS develops requiring intensive care.
Permanent Kidney Damage
HUS survivors may suffer chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and neurological problems requiring lifetime treatment. Children developing HUS face decades of medical complications affecting quality of life and earning capacity.
Wrongful Death Claims
E. coli O157:H7 can cause death, particularly in young children. Families may pursue wrongful death litigation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and punitive damages against manufacturers refusing recalls.
Breach of Implied Warranty
RAW Farm breached implied warranties of merchantability by selling cheese unfit for consumption. Food products causing E. coli infections fail basic safety standards consumers expect.
Punitive Damages for Recall Refusal
Refusing FDA’s voluntary recall recommendation after confirmed outbreak supports punitive damages. Continuing sales despite knowledge of contamination demonstrates willful misconduct warranting maximum penalties.
Contact an Attorney
If you or your child consumed RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese and developed E. coli infection, bloody diarrhea, kidney problems, or required hospitalization, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve purchase receipts, product packaging, medical records documenting E. coli diagnosis, hospitalization records, and stool test results confirming O157:H7 strain.
References
1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026
2. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/rawcheese-03-26/index.html
3. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-recalls/raw-farm-raw-milk-cheddar-cheese-e-coli-outbreak-a1754162551/