California dairy producer recalls raw cheese amid E. coli outbreak
A California dairy producer is recalling several of its raw cheese products after initially refusing to do so, as health authorities investigate an ongoing outbreak of E. coli, reports BritPanorama.
Raw Farm of Fresno, California, announced on Thursday that it is voluntarily recalling over half a dozen varieties of cheddar cheese made from raw milk. The affected batches are marked with expiration dates ranging from May 2026 to September 2026.
The rise in interest and sales of raw milk in recent years, bolstered by social media and support from the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement, has drawn scrutiny. As raw milk is not pasteurized, it can contain harmful bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began its investigation last month after reports of E. coli food poisoning in individuals who consumed the products. The agency previously requested a recall before Raw Farm’s announcement.
In a recent update, the FDA noted that while inspections of the company’s facilities were ongoing, no positive tests for E. coli bacteria had been found among its products.
Raw Farm claimed to be conducting the recall “under protest” while attempting to establish “a path forward.” The company specified that the voluntary recall is limited to its Raw Farm-brand cheddar cheese, stating that no other products are affected.
The FDA has the authority to require food companies to recall products when there is a reasonable risk of serious injury or death but must typically allow companies to comply voluntarily first.
Recently, the FDA reported that nine individuals, including children, have fallen ill in the expanding outbreak. Among eight individuals interviewed, seven revealed that they had consumed Raw Farm-brand products. In 2025, two people reported drinking Raw Farm milk, while five individuals in 2026 indicated they had eaten or were served Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.
Genetic sequencing of E. coli strains from affected individuals has shown a close relationship, suggesting a common source of infection, according to the FDA.
The federal government prohibits the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines for human consumption. Regulations regarding raw milk vary by state, with some states permitting retail sales in stores and others limiting sales to farms. Some allow “cowshares,” where individuals pay for milk from specific animals, while others restrict consumption to farm owners, employees, or guests.
