Federal health agencies are urging shoppers to put down the Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar after a multi-state E. coli outbreak left several people sick and some in the hospital. No deaths have been reported, but officials say it is time to check what is lurking in the fridge and freezer.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating illnesses tied to the California-based Raw Farm brand. Federal officials say seven people in three states have been infected, and two were hospitalized. They are warning consumers to avoid the cheese and to clean any surfaces or containers that may have touched it.
Which Cheeses Are Implicated
Federal regulators say the products in question include all sizes of RAW FARM-brand raw Cheddar blocks (Original and Jalapef1o) with best-by dates through Oct. 4, 2024, along with shredded packages with best-by dates through May 10, 2024. The FDA reports that these cheeses were distributed nationwide and advises consumers to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Symptoms And When To Call A Doctor
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections typically bring on severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting, with symptoms usually showing up three to four days after exposure. The CDC warns that some infections can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney problem marked by decreased urination, extreme fatigue, and unusually pale skin. Anyone noticing those red-flag signs is urged to seek immediate medical care.
Raw Farm’s Response And Testing Dispute
Raw Farm initially issued a voluntary recall in February 2024, then later withdrew it, saying its own testing and state lab results found no E. coli and calling the recall “unfounded” in a statement on its website. That position has set up a public back-and-forth with federal agencies even as investigators rely on epidemiologic data to connect illnesses to the cheese, according to Raw Farm.
Why Raw Milk Products Can Be Risky
Public health officials routinely caution that unpasteurized dairy products carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination than pasteurized versions, and that outbreak investigations often hinge on patient interviews and DNA fingerprinting even when lab tests on food samples are negative. Reporting by Food Safety News notes that investigators have identified epidemiologic links between illnesses and the cheese despite negative product samples, which is part of why regulators issue broad warnings in cases like this.
If you bought RAW FARM raw cheddar, check the package for the best-by dates listed above and throw out or return any matching products. Clean cutting boards, containers, and refrigerator shelves with hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher. If you develop severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or symptoms suggestive of HUS, contact your health care provider immediately and review the full product list and handling guidance in the FDA advisory.
