Trending Now - E. Coli Outbreak From Raw Cheddar Cheese Sickens 7 in US

WHO:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm

Seven individuals affected, including young children

WHAT:

Seven people have been sickened by E. coli food poisoning linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk.

Five cases reported in California, one case each in Florida and Texas.

More than half of the illnesses were in children aged 3 or younger.

Two individuals were hospitalized.

The FDA recommended that Raw Farm voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from sale, which the company declined.

Interviews with three sick individuals revealed they all consumed Raw Farm brand raw milk cheddar cheese.

Analysis of samples from sick patients showed that the E. coli isolates were closely genetically related.

WHERE:

California, Florida, Texas

WHEN:

Illnesses reported between September 2025 and mid-February 2026.

FDA's recommendation made on March 16th, 2026.

WHY:

The outbreak is linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk produced by Raw Farm, although no products have tested positive for E. coli during the outbreak period.

HOW:

The FDA is investigating the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to the illnesses.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 21:10 UTC)

Today, the FDA and CDC reported that seven individuals, including young children, have been sickened by E. coli food poisoning linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk produced by Raw Farm. Five cases were reported in California, with one each in Florida and Texas, and two individuals were hospitalized; most of those affected were children aged three or younger. Despite the FDA recommending that Raw Farm voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from sale, the company declined, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether other products may be involved.