E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese

9 Sickened Across 3 States, Raising Concerns Over Raw Milk Safety

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A California dairy farm, Raw Farm, is at the center of an E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to its raw cheddar cheese, affecting nine people across California, Florida, and Texas. More than half of those sickened are children under five, with three hospitalizations and one case of potentially life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome reported. This incident follows previous outbreaks tied to the farm, raising serious questions about the safety of raw milk products.

Why it matters

Raw Farm's history of foodborne illness outbreaks, including previous incidents involving bird flu and salmonella, highlights the inherent risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. The debate over the benefits versus risks of raw milk continues, with health officials consistently warning about the dangers of harmful bacteria like E. Coli, salmonella, and listeria.

The details

The FDA is investigating the E. Coli outbreak, having identified Raw Farm as the 'likely source.' As of March 28, 2026, no Raw Farm products have tested positive, and the FDA has not issued a mandatory recall, instead recommending that Raw Farm voluntarily remove its cheddar cheese. However, Raw Farm's president has resisted a voluntary recall, stating he will only act with 'direct proof' linking his products to the illnesses.

  • In December 2024, Raw Farm was identified as the source of H5N1 bird flu in three Los Angeles-area cats that had consumed its raw milk.
  • In 2024, Raw Farm was linked to a large salmonella outbreak, sickening at least 165 people.

The players

Raw Farm

A California dairy farm at the center of the E. Coli outbreak linked to its raw cheddar cheese.

Aaron McAfee

The president of Raw Farm, who has resisted a voluntary recall of the company's products.

FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is investigating the E. Coli outbreak and has recommended Raw Farm voluntarily remove its cheddar cheese products.

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is advising consumers to consider avoiding Raw Farm cheddar cheese and to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the cheese.

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What they’re saying

“We must act with direct proof linking our products to the illnesses. Until then, we will not issue a voluntary recall.”

— Aaron McAfee, President, Raw Farm

What’s next

The FDA's investigation is ongoing, with on-site inspections being conducted. The agency will continue to provide information to consumers and retailers as the situation develops.

The takeaway

This E. Coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm's cheddar cheese highlights the persistent challenges surrounding the safety of raw milk products. It will likely fuel the ongoing debate over mandatory recall authority for the FDA and the need for stricter regulations and oversight of raw milk producers to protect public health.