E. coli Outbreak Linked to California Raw Milk and Cheese

Nine people, including children, sickened in expanding outbreak tied to Raw Farm products.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:18am

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An expanding outbreak of E. coli food poisoning has sickened nine people, including children, who consumed raw milk and cheddar cheese made by Raw Farm, a producer in Fresno, California. Two cases were reported in California, with additional cases in Texas and Florida. Over half of the illnesses are in children under 5, and three people were hospitalized, with one developing a dangerous kidney infection. No deaths have been reported.

Why it matters

The outbreak highlights the risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products, which can harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli. Raw milk has gained popularity in recent years, fueled by social media and support from the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again movement, despite public health warnings about the potential dangers.

The details

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating the outbreak. Genetic sequencing of E. coli strains from sick people show they are closely related, indicating a common source of infection. FDA officials previously advised Raw Farm to recall its raw milk cheddar cheese, but the company refused. To date, no Raw Farm products have tested positive for E. coli.

  • The illnesses were confirmed from September to mid-February.
  • In 2025, two people reported drinking Raw Farm milk.
  • In 2026, five people said they ate or were served Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.

The players

Raw Farm

A Fresno, California-based producer of raw milk and 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 food, drugs, and other products.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary and a prominent advocate for the Make America Healthy Again movement, which promotes the use of raw milk and other unprocessed foods.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro

A member of the Congressional Food Safety Caucus who urged the FDA to use its mandatory recall authority to pull the Raw Farm products from stores.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.