Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog on February 6, 2026
R Bar H raw milk is at the center of an ongoing Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) investigation in Ada County, Idaho. So far, at least nine people have fallen sick, including two children that have been hospitalized. The common link between outbreak patients is raw milk.
What is raw milk and is it legal in Idaho? Why is STEC so serious and are there other illnesses consumers should be worried about?
Here’s what we know so far about the R Bar H raw milk investigation and what you should do if you have symptoms.
Central District Health is currently investigating a serious STEC outbreak that is potentially linked to R Bar H raw milk. According to a press release, “nine Ada County residents, including two children currently hospitalized with serious complications” have been reported.
According to Central District Health, “all cases reported consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk, a known risk factor for certain foodborne illnesses.”
The hospitalized children have been diagnosed with an E. coli complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Which can lead to kidney failure and other long-term health problems. Both children consumed the same brand of raw milk as other confirmed cases.
Including STEC.
For now, local health officials are interviewing affected individuals and testing raw milk samples. Several illnesses have been confirmed as STEC. Those samples will likely be compared to R Bar H raw milk samples and any others they suspect could be linked to the outbreak.
According to Central District Health, “although the investigation is ongoing, all cases have reported consuming raw cow milk products from R Bar H prior to illness.”
In response, the dairy has pulled all products from stores. They have also suspended production while the investigation continues.
Central District Health advises all consumers who have purchased these products to not consume it and discard any remaining product. However, it may be a good idea to retain product for traceback purposes. If you do not discard product, bag it up and clearly label it so that no one in the household will consume it.
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.
This term applies to milk from cows, sheep, or goats alike.
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. Microorganisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Q fever, and brucellosis. Among others.
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. Many 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.
Yes. Raw milk is legal for sale in the state of Idaho directly to consumers, through retail locations like grocery stores, and through herdshare programs. It is not, however, allowed for sale to restaurants and food service establishments.
There are a few regulations governing raw milk in the state. Though they are not as strict as other states.
Anyone providing or selling raw milk in the state of Idaho (outside of their own household) is required to obtain a permit. This permit helps the state track the minimal testing requirements that allows the producer to sell to the public.
All animals “participating in the program” must be tested annually for brucellosis and tuberculosis. No pathogen testing is required for raw milk sales in the state of Idaho at this time.
A very specific label is required on raw milk products in Idaho. Specific color contrast and font size are necessary to ensure the required warning is clearly presented on the product.
The warning should say: “WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized or inspected and may contain harmful bacteria. Raw milk, no matter how carefully produced, may be unsafe.”
Despite raw milk being legal in the state, the required warning letter and Central District Health statement stress consumers to use caution.
“While consuming raw milk is a personal choice, health officials urge residents to understand the serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals.”
For those choosing to consume raw milk, Central District Health has suggested the following guidelines:
E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives and grows in the digestive system of humans and animals and can thrive in the environment.
Some E. coli bacteria are harmless. They even make up a good part of a healthy gut microbiome. Others, like those that made these people sick, can cause serious or even life-threatening illness. The E. coli involved in this R Bar H raw milk situation is one of those life-threatening strains.
This is because this toxin-producing E. coli strains may cause HUS.
The two hospitalized children have been diagnosed with HUS. But what is HUS?
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with a toxin-producing bacteria.
Like STEC.
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!
The symptoms of STEC infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Of course barring serious complications.
These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death. Certain groups of people are more likely to experience these complications.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illness or develop serious complications.
There are several other germs commonly associated with raw milk that can cause preventable illnesses and diseases.
Other illnesses caused by raw milk pathogens may include:
Recent concerns of bird flu have not been entirely ruled out. Which adds this new pathogen to the potential risk.
If you begin experiencing symptoms of STEC infection after consuming R Bar H raw milk or other raw milk products, there are a few things you can do to help your situation and others.
If you have consumed potentially contaminated raw milk, you may become sick. In some cases, it could take a week or more for symptoms to appear. Seek medical attention if you become sick. Even if you are not severely ill. Your sample may be linked to a potential outbreak investigation.
Central District Health advises, “anyone who has consumed raw milk and develops symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting should seek medical care and report the illness to their local health district.”
If you still have it, retain packaging and receipts if possible. Your purchase may help investigators narrow or widen the scope of the investigation. Your assistance may be able to help prevent others from becoming sick.
Finally, reach out to an STEC lawyer. Salmonellosis can cause serious illness and loss. A E. coli Lawyer can help 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.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)