E. coli Outbreak Triggers Recall of Raw Cheese Products from Raw Farm LLC

Raw Farm LLC, a California-based dairy producer, has issued a voluntary recall of its cheddar cheese products amid an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into an E. coli outbreak. The recall, which affects approximately 170,000 pounds of cheese valued at $1.5 million, includes various cheddar cheese products with expiration dates ranging from May to September 2026. The FDA had been urging the company to recall the products for weeks, linking them to nine reported E. coli illnesses across California, Texas, and Florida.

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The outbreak has resulted in three hospitalizations, with one individual developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure. The illnesses began between September 1, 2025, and February 20, 2026, with over half of the affected individuals being children under the age of five. Investigators utilized genetic testing to establish that the E. coli strains from the sick individuals were closely related, indicating a common source of infection, which the FDA identified as Raw Farm products.

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Despite the FDA's findings, Raw Farm has maintained that there is insufficient evidence linking its cheese to the outbreak. The company's president, Aaron McAfee, stated that the recall was issued "under protest" to mitigate further damage to the business. He emphasized that no E. coli bacteria had been found in their products during inspections. This stance has drawn criticism from food safety experts, including Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, who argued that it is common for investigators to not find the bacteria in food samples during outbreaks. Detwiler criticized the delay in the recall, stating, “Your one job is to recall it immediately when evidence shows something is unsafe.”

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Health officials have long warned about the risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, which can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. The CDC has advised consumers to discard any recalled products and has urged the public to choose pasteurized dairy options, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

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While the FDA has not reported finding positive samples of E. coli in Raw Farm products, the investigation remains active. The agency is collaborating with state partners to analyze samples and assess the situation further. The recall has sparked discussions about the safety of raw milk, which has seen a resurgence in popularity, partly due to advocacy from figures like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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• “It was a standoff between us and them,” — Aaron McAfee, President of Raw Farm LLC

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• “Multiple witnesses describe the same suspect. Security footage shows the same person entering each location. But the suspect has already left the building. That’s what’s happening here.” — Darin Detwiler, Professor of Food Regulatory Affairs at Northeastern University

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• “Your one job is to recall it immediately,” — Darin Detwiler, Professor of Food Regulatory Affairs at Northeastern University

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The situation underscores the complexities surrounding food safety regulations and the challenges faced by both producers and health authorities in managing public health risks associated with raw dairy products.

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