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.
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.
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, with a median age of three years old. At this time, no deaths or HUS cases have been reported.
- 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 (see above).
Current Update
March 15, 2026
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.
As of March 14, 2026, a total of 7 confirmed infections have been reported from three states, including CA (5), FL (1), and TX (1). Known illness onset dates range from September 1, 2025 to February 13, 2026. Whole genome sequencing 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. Additionally, 4 of 7 cases are 3 years old or younger. Two patients have been hospitalized. No deaths or HUS cases have been reported.
State and local public health officials have interviewed 3 ill people about food exposures of interest in this outbreak. All 3 people (100%) reported eating RAW FARM- brand raw cheddar cheese. State and local officials are working to gather additional data for the 4 other illnesses, including 2 illnesses that occurred in 2025. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products made by RAW FARM, LLC are the likely source of this outbreak.
FDA has recommended that RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove their raw cheese products from the market, and the firm has declined.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. To date, to FDA’s awareness, no RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese products from this time period have tested positive for E. coli. As part of this investigation, state partners initiated collection of product samples for testing and analysis, but results are not yet available. FDA will update this advisory should additional information become available.
Case Count Map Provided by CDC
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: February 13, 2026
States with Cases: CA, FL, TX
Product Distribution: Nationwide
Product Images
Who to Contact?
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.
Submit Questions/Get Assistance
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)