UPDATE: RAW FARM Cheese Recall Issued as E. coli Investigation Continues

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated and expanded from a March 30 recall alert to reflect new information released April 3 regarding the ongoing FDA and CDC investigation.

A recall of RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese is now underway as federal health officials continue investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, with new details released this week.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed April 3 that nine people across three states have been infected, with illnesses dating back to September 2025.

What’s Being Recalled

RAW FARM, LLC initiated a voluntary recall on April 2 covering:

• All sizes and varieties of RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese (block and shredded)
• Products purchased on or after January 4, 2026

The products were sold at retailers nationwide, including Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B, with the possibility of additional distribution.

Consumers are advised:

• Do not eat, sell, or serve the product
• Discard it immediately—even if frozen or repackaged
• Clean and sanitize any surfaces the product may have contacted 

Illnesses and Health Concerns

Of the nine reported cases:

• Three people have been hospitalized
• One developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure
• More than half of cases involve children under age five

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever, nausea, and vomiting

Symptoms may appear within a few days to up to nine days after exposure

Link to RAW FARM Products

Health officials report that among those interviewed:

• 100% consumed raw dairy products
• All individuals who could identify a brand reported RAW FARM products

Cases include both raw milk (2025) and raw cheddar cheese (2026) consumption.

Genetic analysis of the bacteria indicates the illnesses are closely related, suggesting a common source.

Ongoing Investigation, Unconfirmed Source

Despite the recall and strong epidemiological link, the FDA notes that:

• No positive E. coli samples have yet been confirmed from the cheese products
• Onsite inspections and testing are ongoing

This leaves the investigation in an unresolved stage, where the product is being removed from the market out of caution while testing continues.

What Consumers Should Know

The advisory remains active and evolving.

Anyone who has purchased RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese since early January should:

• Discard the product immediately
• Monitor for symptoms
• Contact a healthcare provider if illness develops

Federal officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Company Announcement

• No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
• No pathogens have been found in FDA samples collected directly or samples collected by state Health Department officials.
• RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.
• This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.
• This Voluntary Recall is performed as a path forward.
• RAW FARM proudly makes truly raw cheddar cheese from milk that is not pasteurized or thermalized and is fully compliant with C.F.R section 133.113.

The FDA has issued an Advisory without batch numbers or expiration dates. At the request of the FDA, RAW FARM is issuing a Voluntary Recall.