California Dairy Producer Recalls Raw Cheese Products Amid E. coli Outbreak
A dairy producer in California has initiated a voluntary recall of several raw cheese products as health authorities investigate an ongoing outbreak of E. coli. The company, Raw Farm of Fresno, announced the recall on Thursday, stating that it is voluntarily recalling more than a half-dozen varieties of its cheddar cheese made from raw milk.
The recalled batches, which are listed in the FDA recall notice, have expiration dates ranging from May 2026 to September 2026. These products were sold nationwide, according to the FDA alert. The company made the decision following an investigation into the outbreak, which was first reported on March 15.
Interest in raw milk has been increasing in recent years, driven by social media and advocacy from groups such as the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, raw milk has not undergone pasteurization, a process that eliminates harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter.
The FDA began investigating cases of E. coli food poisoning among individuals who had consumed the company’s products. Last month, the agency requested a recall, and in an update last week, it stated that it was conducting an inspection of the company’s facilities. However, no positive tests for E. coli were found in the company’s products at that time.
Raw Farm reiterated this point in its announcement and added that it was conducting the recall “under protest” and in an effort to “chart a path forward.” The company clarified that the recall is limited to Raw Farm-brand cheddar cheese and that no other products are being voluntarily recalled.
The following products are part of the recall, along with any batches produced prior to these dates:
- 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251027-2 and expiration date 8/23/2026
- 80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251015-4 and expiration date 8/11/2026
- 16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251027-4 and expiration date 8/23/2026
- 80 oz Bag of Original Cheddar Shred with batch code 20260205 and expiration date 5/6/2026
- 16 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block with batch code 20251128-1J and expiration date 9/24/2026
- 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred with batch code 20260212 and expiration date 5/13/2026
- 8 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block with batch code 20251128-2J and expiration date 9/24/2026
The FDA has the authority to order food companies to recall their products if there is a reasonable risk of serious injury or death. However, the agency must first give the company the opportunity to voluntarily comply.
Last week, the FDA reported that nine people, including children, have been affected by the expanding outbreak. Of the eight people interviewed by health officials, seven reported consuming Raw Farm-brand products. Two individuals in 2025 said they drank Raw Farm milk, while five people in 2026 reported eating or being served Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.
Genetic sequencing of E. coli strains from sick individuals shows that all the strains are closely related, indicating that those affected share a common source of infection, according to the FDA.
It is important to note that the federal government does not allow the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines for human consumption. However, states have varying regulations regarding raw milk. Some allow retail sales in stores, while others permit sales only at farms. Certain states offer cowshares, where individuals pay for milk from specific animals, and others restrict consumption to farm owners, employees, or non-paying guests.
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