Published: March 20, 2026 | Updated: April 6, 2026

Quick Summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers and businesses to stop eating, serving, or selling RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese. This product is connected to a multi-state outbreak of a serious type of E. coli bacteria called STEC O157.

Update (April 6, 2026): On April 2, Raw Farm, LLC issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. For the latest details, visit the FDA investigation page or the CDPH recall webpage.

What's Happening?

Health officials in California are investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157 linked to RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.

Current Case Numbers (as of March 13, 2026)

7 people infected across three states
5 cases in California
4 children under age 5 affected
2 hospitalizations, including one in California
No deaths or cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) reported so far

Interviews with sick individuals point to RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese as the likely source. While the FDA has recommended a voluntary recall, the product had not been removed from shelves as of March 18, 2026.

Why This Matters

Raw milk and dairy products made from raw milk—like raw cheese—can carry harmful germs, including STEC O157. These bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Pasteurization (heating milk to kill harmful bacteria) is a simple, proven step that makes dairy products safer without reducing their nutritional value.

What You Should Do

If You Are a Consumer

Do not eat RAW FARM brand block or shredded raw cheddar cheese until further notice
Check your refrigerator and discard any of these products immediately
Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have touched the cheese
Watch for symptoms if you recently consumed this product (see below)
Choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce your risk of foodborne illness

If You Are a Business

Stop selling or serving RAW FARM brand block or shredded raw cheddar cheese
Remove affected products from inventory and follow local health department guidance for disposal
Sanitize food contact surfaces that may have been exposed to the product
Inform staff about the recall and health advisory

Know the Symptoms of STEC Infection

If you become sick after eating RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain

Timing: Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after exposure, but can appear anywhere from 1 to 10 days later.

When to seek medical care:
- Symptoms are severe or worsening
- You see blood in your stool
- You have signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, little or no urination)
- The sick person is a young child, older adult, or has a weakened immune system

Most people recover within a week, but some—especially young children—can develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and requires hospital care.

How to Stay Safe with Dairy Products

The simplest way to protect yourself and your family:
✅ Choose milk, cheese, and other dairy products made with pasteurized milk
✅ Read labels carefully—"raw," "unpasteurized," or "made from raw milk" means the product has not been heat-treated to kill germs
✅ When in doubt, ask your grocer or cheesemonger whether a product is pasteurized
✅ Practice good food safety: wash hands, clean surfaces, and keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate

Where to Find More Information

CDC Food Safety Alert: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese
FDA Public Health Advisory: Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7
CDPH STEC Information: Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) Infection
CDPH Raw Dairy Guidance: Raw Milk and Raw Dairy Products

For general public health questions in California, contact CDPH at (916) 558-1784.

This article is for informational purposes and reflects guidance from the California Department of Public Health as of April 6, 2026. Always follow the most current advice from your local health department and healthcare provider.