Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026)
RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese linked to ongoing outbreak. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Additional Product Images
Product:
RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar Cheeses
- Some sick people reported eating RAW FARM-brand block and shredded cheddar cheeses.
Symptoms of E. coli:
Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.
The severity or presence of certain symptoms may depend on the type of pathogenic
E. coli causing the infection. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.
Stores affected:
Sold at retailers nationwide.
Ill people have reported purchasing RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese at Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B. There may be other retailers who are selling the RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. This advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.
Status:
Ongoing; updates will be provided as they become available.
Recommendations:
- This is an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (also known as STEC) linked to RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese based on epidemiological data. This type of E. coli can cause serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS), which requires hospitalization and can lead to death. Sick people in this outbreak are young, over half of the illnesses are in children under five (5) years old.
- FDA is providing information to consumers and retailers so they are aware of this outbreak before deciding to eat RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheeses or serve it to children.
- Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice customers who purchased or received RAW FARM-brand Raw Cheddar cheese, including wholesale products, may wish to carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched. Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Consult your health care provider immediately if you ate RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese and have any symptoms that resemble an E. coli infection.
Current Update
March 26, 2026
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of
E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to RAW FARM-brand raw dairy products. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Since the last update on March 15, 2026, two (2) additional illnesses have been reported. A total of nine (9) people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from three (3) states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 1, 2025, to February 20, 2026. Three (3) people have been hospitalized and one (1) person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. Over half of the illnesses are in children under five (5) years old.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people or their caregivers about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the eight (8) people interviewed, all eight (8) (100%) in this outbreak reported consuming or being served raw dairy products.
Of the eight (8) people interviewed, seven (7) had brand information available. One (1) person drank raw milk but didn’t know the brand. Of the seven (7) people interviewed who knew a brand, seven (7) (100%) reported RAW FARM-brand dairy products. In 2026, five (5) people reported consuming or being served RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. In 2025, two (2) sick people reported consuming RAW FARM-brand raw milk. Affected RAW FARM-brand raw milk from 2025 should no longer be for sale.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of
E. coli isolates from ill people shows that they are all closely related genetically to each other. This means that people in this outbreak are likely to share a common source of infection.
FDA has initiated an onsite inspection at RAW FARM, LLC in coordination with state partners. To date, FDA is not aware of any positive
E. coli tests in RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products from this time period. FDA will update this advisory should additional information become available.
Case Count Map Provided by CDC
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 9
Hospitalizations: 3
HUS: 1
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: February 20, 2026
States with Cases: CA, FL, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide
Useful Links
Product Images
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https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-...n-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026
