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 on April 21, 2026
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds E. coli in RAW FARM Cheddar Cheese. But this deadly E. coli strain wasn’t a genetic match to the current outbreak strain. Instead, it matches samples from illnesses in 2025.
While initial the initial recall was more than reluctant, the existing recall notice still indicates that no positive samples have been found in both state and federally collected samples and the company continues to fight the epidemiological links between the outbreak and RAW FARM products.
Here’s what we know so far about E. coli in RAW FARM Cheddar, the connected outbreak, current product recall, and what this new information means to consumers.
New information has come to light in the E. coli outbreak with epidemiological links to RAW FARM cheddar cheese products.
So far, there have been nine illnesses with links to RAW FARM dairy items. Of which, three people have been hospitalized and one person developed a serious kidney complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported in connection with this outbreak.
Most of the sick people were reported to be from California. However, Texas and Louisianna each claim one outbreak patient.
The last reported date of illness onset was February 20, 2026. Fortunately, there have been no newly reported illnesses.
According to the FDA, the organization, in coordination with state partners, has completed their onsite inspections of the RAW Farm facility. So far, 19 samples have been obtained from both retail locations and the processing facility.
“One sample of RAW FARM-brand Cheddar Cheese tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.”
That sample underwent a type of analysis known as whole genome sequencing (WGS), also known as DNA or genetic fingerprinting.
Genetic fingerprinting is a sophisticated method that can identify genetic relatedness beyond the strain level. Samples with genetically similar strains prove a common link. When two people are sick with genetically similar strains of a germ like E. coli, it means that what made one person sick also made the other person sick.
In this case, the unreleased product sample matched a historic E. coli case. However, it didn’t match the current E. coli outbreak strain. But one from 2025 that was investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the 2025 outbreak in no longer active and investigation activities are not ongoing, the CDC and state partners indicated that they are following up on this new information.
They will likely be asking available sick patients about their raw dairy consumption to determine if there are any epidemiological links to RAW Farm-brand products.
A match to 2025 cases begs the question. How long has there been a potential problem at this facility.
Fortunately, the raw cheddar cheese batch that tested positive for E. coli had not been shipped to stores and is not available for sale.
Sampling activities by both federal and state partners are ongoing and additional results will be reported as they become available. If any additional products are added to the recall list, that page will also be updated.hahdlk
An initial RAW FARM recall was announced on April 2, 2026. On April 7, 2026 the firm “updated the language and product names” on the recall announcement for “certain RAW FARM-brand cheeses.”
The initial recall included the now withdrawn comment, “This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.” The new language says, “RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.”
So, what products are currently being recalled?
| Item | Item Description | Package Type | Package Size (oz.) |
Barcode | Batch | Expiration |
| 1050 | RAW CHEDDAR Original | Block | 8 | 835204001177 | 20251027-2 | 8/23/2026 |
| 1060 | RAW CHEDDAR Original | Block | 80 | 835204001160 | 20251015-4 | 8/11/2026 |
| 1075 | RAW CHEDDAR Original | Block | 16 | 835204000156 | 20251027-4 | 8/23/2026 |
| 1076 | RAW CHEDDAR SIMPLY SHREDDED | Bag | 80 | 835204000194 | 20260205 | 5/6/2026 |
| 1078 | RAW CHEDDAR Jalapeno | Block | 16 | 835204000354 | 20251128-1J | 9/24/2026 |
| 1080 | RAW CHEDDAR SIMPLY SHREDDED | Bag | 8 | 835204001184 | 20260212 | 5/13/2026 |
| 1090 | RAW CHEDDAR Jalapeno | Block | 8 | 835204000330 | 20251128-2J | 9/24/2026 |
This list may be updated as more information becomes available.
In addition to the number of children impacted by this outbreak, the organism involved is particularly dangerous. This is because E. coli O157:H7 is a type of bacteria that produces a toxin. In fact, it is often referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC for short.
This toxin can cause serious complications.
The initial symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure.
Common symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and if present, a fever less than 101 °F.
Most of these cases are not included in outbreak statistics. This is because for some, illness is so mild they never seek medical attention. Therefore, they are never tested for E. coli or diagnosed with an E. coli infection. Since those illnesses cannot be genetically linked to other people sick with the same germ outbreak statistics are usually only a fraction of the true number of impacted people.
For some, E. coli can be quite serious. Even causing long-lasting complications.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illnesses or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS that has impacted at least one outbreak patient.
This is where infections get especially dangerous!
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with a toxin-producing bacteria like the E. coli germ associated with this outbreak.
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.
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
Not everyone who is exposed to contaminated food gets sick. However, some may experience serious illness. At least some people have been linked to E. coli in RAW FARM cheddar or dairy products. In the past few years did you consume RAW Farm cheddar cheese or other dairy products and later fell sick with symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection?
Even if your symptoms are mild, it is still a good idea to report your illness to your local health department. This can help investigators get a better picture of the scope of this E. coli outbreak.
They may ask you questions about your symptoms, what and where you have eaten in the past few weeks, and other supporting information. So have that information handy.
If you have been seriously affected by this outbreak, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced E. coli lawyer.
If you have become seriously ill with an E. coli infection from RAW Farm raw cheddar cheese products included in this RAW cheddar recall, other RAW Farm products, or other raw milk products and wish to make a legal claim for compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an E. coli lawyer that can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)