Health Officials Investigate E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheese in Florida

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Health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli in multiple states, including Florida, that appears to be linked to raw cheese products. Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese sold nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market stores has likely sickened seven people in Florida, Texas and California, according to the CDC and FDA. Over half of the reported cases involve patients three years old or younger, with two people hospitalized.

Why it matters

This outbreak highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, which are not subject to the same safety regulations as pasteurized products. While some claim raw milk and cheese offer health benefits, health authorities maintain that pasteurization does not reduce nutritional value and is necessary to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli.

The details

The FDA recommended that Raw Farm pull the affected products from the market, but they declined to do so. Health officials are testing samples of the cheese to confirm if E. coli bacteria are present. No recall has been issued, but health officials urge consumers not to eat the affected cheese while they investigate. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration, and can be life-threatening, especially for young children.

• The known illness onset dates range from September 1, 2025 to February 13, 2026.
• In August 2025, the Florida Department of Health reported 21 people sickened in an E. coli outbreak connected to a raw milk producer in New Smyrna Beach.

What’s next

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the E. coli outbreak and test samples of the Raw Farm cheese to confirm the presence of the bacteria. No recall has been issued, but health officials urge consumers not to eat the affected products.