California Dairy Producer Recalls Raw Cheese Amid E. coli Investigation

Raw Farm, located in Fresno, California, has announced a voluntary recall of more than half a dozen types of its cheddar cheese made fr om raw milk. This decision comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation into cases of E. coli food poisoning linked to the consumption of the company's products. The recalled cheese batches have expiration dates ranging from May 2026 to September 2026.

The FDA's inquiry started last month following reports of E. coli sickness among consumers of Raw Farm's products. Although the FDA has conducted inspections at the company's facilities, they have yet to find positive E. coli results in the products themselves. Despite this, Raw Farm decided to proceed with the recall "under protest" to ensure safety and compliance.

The FDA reported that nine individuals, including children, have fallen ill due to this outbreak. Interviews conducted with eight of those affected revealed that seven had consumed Raw Farm-brand products. Genetic testing has shown that the E. coli strains affecting these individuals are closely related, suggesting a common source of contamination.

This recall is specific to Raw Farm-brand cheddar cheese, with no other products included. The FDA has the authority to mandate recalls if there's a reasonable risk of serious harm, although they initially allow companies the chance to voluntarily recall products.

In the United States, the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines for human consumption is prohibited. However, regulations on raw milk vary widely by state. Some states permit retail sales, others lim it sales to farms, and some allow only farm owners, employees, or non-paying guests to consume raw milk.