9 Sickened in E. coli Outbreak Tied to California Raw Milk Producer

Raw Farm products linked to illnesses in California, Texas, and Florida

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:37am

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Health officials say nine people, including children, have been sickened in an expanding outbreak of E. coli food poisoning tied to raw milk and cheddar cheese made with it from Raw Farm, a Fresno, California, producer. Two cases in California were added to the outbreak first announced in March, bringing the total number of ill people in that state to seven. Two others fell ill in Texas and Florida.

Why it matters

Raw milk has gained popularity in recent years, but it carries risks of containing harmful bacteria like E. coli that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations like young children. This outbreak highlights the ongoing public health concerns around the sale and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.

The details

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over half of the illnesses are in children younger than 5, and three people were hospitalized, with one developing a dangerous type of kidney infection. The FDA previously advised Raw Farm to recall its raw milk cheddar cheese, but the company refused. No Raw Farm products have tested positive for E. coli so far.

  • The outbreak was first announced on March 15, 2026.
  • Illnesses were confirmed from September 2025 to mid-February 2026.

The players

Raw Farm

A Fresno, California-based producer of raw milk and raw milk cheddar cheese.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The leading national public health institute in the United States.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating the safety of food, drugs, and other products.

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What’s next

The FDA has not yet said whether it will use its mandatory recall authority to pull Raw Farm products from stores.

The takeaway

This outbreak underscores the public health risks associated with the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, which can harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli. It serves as a cautionary tale for consumers considering raw milk and cheese, and highlights the ongoing regulatory challenges around the sale of these products.