FDA Inspects Raw Farm Dairy Amid E. Coli Outbreak Concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated an onsite inspection of Raw Farm LLC, located in Fresno, California, as it is believed to be the source of an E. coli outbreak. Despite the FDA's request, the dairy has refused to recall its block and shredded raw milk cheddar cheese. This outbreak has resulted in seven infections across California, Texas, and Florida, with two hospitalizations.

The McAfee family, owners of Raw Farm, has publicly defended their product's safety on social media. Notably, Raw Farm's products are not pasteurized, which is a standard heat treatment used to eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.

The congressional Food Safety Caucus, led by Representative Rosa DeLauro, has urged the FDA to mandate a recall, but no such action has been taken yet. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, is known to be a long-time customer of Raw Farm.

Historically, Raw Farm's products have been associated with several outbreaks. For instance, in September 2006, their raw milk was linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak resulting in six illnesses. More recently, in December 2024, their unpasteurized cheese led to 11 E. coli O157:H7 illnesses.

The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely, exploring potential regulatory actions to address the ongoing public health risk posed by Raw Farm's products.