California Warns Against Fresno Company's Raw Cheddar After Multistate E. Coli Outbreak

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The California Department of Public Health is advising consumers and businesses not to eat, serve, or sell raw cheddar cheese manufactured and distributed by Fresno-based company 'RAW FARM.' The FDA says at least seven people have gotten sick in Texas, California, and Florida, with more than half of the illnesses in children. The FDA has suggested the farm remove its raw cheese products, but the company has declined and refused to comply with a mandatory recall.

Why it matters

Raw dairy products like unpasteurized cheese can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. This outbreak highlights the need for stronger oversight and compliance in the raw food industry to prevent future foodborne illness outbreaks.

The details

The products involved are 'RAW FARM' block and shredded varieties of raw cheddar cheese from the company's facility on Jameson Avenue in Fresno. The FDA and CDC are investigating the multistate outbreak, which has sickened at least seven people so far, with more than half of the cases involving children.

• The California Department of Public Health issued the advisory on March 21, 2026.

What’s next

The FDA and CDC are continuing to investigate the outbreak, and the California Department of Public Health's advisory remains in effect until further notice.