Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese Recalled in Hawaii Over E. Coli Concerns

Both shredded and block products were sold and distributed to a small number of specialty grocery stores in Hawaii.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:34am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a wedge of raw milk cheddar cheese, with its internal structure visible as glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the potential E. coli contamination that prompted the recall.An X-ray view of the recalled raw milk cheddar cheese reveals the potential internal contamination that led to the statewide product recall.Honolulu Today

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) has issued an alert for a recall of Raw Farm's raw milk cheddar cheese products due to potential E. coli contamination. The recalled products were sold and distributed to a small number of specialty grocery stores in Hawaii, including Down to Earth stores and Hanalei Market.

Why it matters

Raw milk products have a higher risk of bacterial contamination compared to pasteurized dairy products. This recall highlights the importance of food safety regulations and the need for consumers to be vigilant about checking for recalled products, especially those that could pose serious health risks like E. coli.

The details

Investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health officials indicated the Raw Farm raw milk cheddar cheese products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, and can lead to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure.

  • The recall was issued by the Hawaii Department of Health on April 3, 2026.

The players

Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB)

The state agency that issued the alert for the raw milk cheddar cheese recall and is working to ensure the recalled products are removed from store shelves.

Raw Farm

The company that produced the raw milk cheddar cheese products that are being recalled due to potential E. coli contamination.

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What’s next

The Hawaii Department of Health is continuing to work with stores to ensure the recalled products are removed from shelves. Consumers who purchased the recalled cheese are advised to return it to the store for a refund.

The takeaway

This recall underscores the potential risks of consuming raw dairy products and the importance of following food safety guidelines. Consumers should be vigilant about checking for recalled items, especially those that could pose serious health threats like E. coli contamination.