Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Raw Milk on March 25, 2026
Kids are falling sick with E. coli infections and serious kidney complications after consuming raw milk in Tennessee. Health officials warned Hamilton County residents last month of a recent uptick in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases setting records for the year.
And it was only February.
Based on new data, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society has announced more details and indicated a single herd is responsible. However, the name of that specific herd has not been made public.
Here’s what we know so far about the outbreak linked to raw milk in Tennessee!
In a press statement on the County’s Instagram page, the Hamilton County Health Department warned area residents of a growing concern. An uptick in STEC cases involving raw milk.
On the social media post, the statement said:
“IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Hamilton County Health Department has identified an unexpected increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) cases in 2026 associated with the consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk.”
At the time, the statement was a general warning.
There were no specific numbers. No indication of how many hospitalizations. No identification of a specific herd.
In a more recent announcement, we have a little more information. Sadly, it is not good news.
At least five confirmed cases of STEC in children under 14 years of age have been reported since March 3, 2026. Four of these kids were hospitalized. Three have been diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
All sick patients reported consuming raw milk from the same herd. In fact, “raw milk was the only common exposure.”
To back up that statement, four of the five patient samples were sent for whole genome sequencing to better understand if the cases were connected. They were an exact match!
“All had an identical DNA fingerprint.” An indication that “cases were sickened by the same exposure.”
Another eight “probable cases” with the symptoms after the same exposure have come to light after members of the herd share were surveyed. Only adults who were not hospitalized were identified in this survey. Cases are labeled as “probable” because no laboratory testing was performed on samples from these individuals.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society explains that the community has recently experienced illnesses linked to the consumption of raw milk. Citing that young children are especially vulnerable to infections.
“In past local cases, infants required hospitalization, and at least one child required prolonged medical care due to kidney injury.”
Potential harm can be serious and life-threatening.
The organization says that they understand that families are seeking natural options for their children. “However, it is important to understand that ‘natural’ does not always mean ‘safe,’ especially for infants, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.”
They caution that “there are many safe and nutritious dairy and non-dairy options available that do not carry the same risk.”
Raw milk is a term used for milk that has not been pasteurized. It has not undergone heat treatment through a process that kills potential illness-causing germs often associated with dairy products.
It isn’t limited to cow milk. The term also applies to milk from sheep, goats and other lactating exotic animals.
Pasteurization is a widely used process invented in 1864, by the namesake inventor, Louis Pasteur. Pasteur discovered a way to heat treat beverages in order to kill harmful microorganisms. The types of microorganisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Q fever, E. coli infections and brucellosis.
The original intent for pasteurization was to help increase the shelf life and reduce spoilage of beer, wine, and other beverages. As you can imagine, a pressing issue of the time.
Today, it is most commonly associated with milk. Though juices and certain shelf stable foods are also commonly pasteurized. Historically, many foodborne illnesses prior to pasteurization were linked to milk and dairy products. A problem that has almost entirely been eradicated since widespread use of pasteurization.
In fact, since the mainstream application of pasteurization, the number of milk-related outbreaks has decreased from 25% to only 1%. With 70% of those outbreaks involving raw milk.
Raw milk is risky because without the heat treatment of pasteurization, potential germs found on dairy farms can make their way into the milk and sicken the consumer.
If raw milk is so dangerous, you may be wondering if it is legal to sell raw milk in Tennessee.
The answer to that question is complicated.
The “retail sale” of raw milk in Tennessee is still illegal. However, the 2020 Tennessee house Bill 1129 and Senate Bill 1123 makes provisions for what is known as a a herdshare. Which is essentially an agreement of ownership with a farmer.
Members of the herdshare buy into the farm by paying a specified amount to the dairy farmer. In return, the dairy farmer manages and milks the cow. This membership grants the herdshare member a “share” of the milk produced.
There are limitations. Milk obtained from herdshares are only allowed for personal use and cannot be used in restaurant or food service applications.
Certain rules also apply to the farm. For example, lists of all members and contact information must be retained for at least three years. As is a written herdshare agreement between the member and farmer outlining the terms and rights of the herdshare situation.
Raw better sold by producers with a dairy plant permit is also allowed. But only from producers with a dairy plant permit. Raw milk for pet use is also legal. However, a commercial feed permit is necessary.
If Tennessee raw milk laws were followed, members of the herdshare connected to the outbreak of E. coli associated with raw milk should have been notified. However, anyone consuming raw milk is at risk of E. coli infections as well as a number of other raw milk-related illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Some people, on the other hand, may experience other complications. These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illness or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
At least three of the children involved in this outbreak have been diagnosed with this complication.
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with a toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli.
This complication develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured bloods cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. This can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.
It is important to get medical help right away if you begin experiencing symptoms HUS symptoms!
If you or a family member have become sick with E. coli after consuming raw milk, an experienced E. coli Lawyer can help! They can answer questions, investigate your illness, and file a claim to recover the financial burden associated with your illness.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for families with cases just like yours. With a specialty in contamination, products liability, and food safety cases, you can trust the E. coli and Raw Milk Lawyers of The Lange Law Firm, PLLC to navigate this complicated legal process on your behalf.
They know the questions to ask, the information to obtain, and how to build your case. Their compassionate team will help you through this unfortunate situation and get you the justice you deserve.
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)