Chicago, IL (March 23, 2026) – A multistate outbreak of E. Coli has been linked to RAW FARM brand block and shredded cheddar cheese, with 7 confirmed illnesses and 2 hospitalizations confirmed in California, Texas, and Florida. The product was distributed nationwide. The FDA has recommended these products be recalled, but RAW FARM is refusing to initiate a recall at this time, despite evidence linking their product to the outbreak.
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Key Takeaways
- A multistate E. coli outbreak has been linked to RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese products, with confirmed illnesses and hospitalizations across several states.
- Despite FDA recommendations, the company has not issued a recall, raising serious safety concerns.
- Consumers should immediately discard affected products and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces they contacted.
- E. coli infections can cause severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and in serious cases, kidney damage.
- Raw, unpasteurized dairy products carry a significantly higher risk of harmful bacterial contamination compared to pasteurized options.
- Individuals who became ill after consuming contaminated products may be entitled to compensation through a product liability claim.
Consumers who have purchased any of the affected raw cheese products are instructed to dispose of the product. Do not consume the product at this time, and wash and sanitize any surface the product has come into contact with to prevent illness.
What Is E. Coli?
E. Coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infection in various areas, such as your GI (digestive) tract, urinary tract, and other parts of your body. While it can sometimes live in your gut without causing harm, some strains can cause problems such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. These strains stick to your cells and release toxins, like Shiga toxin.
Shiga toxin producing E. Coli, such as the strain found in the E. Coli outbreak linked to RAW FARM cheese, is the strain most likely to cause severe illness, including kidney damage.
Symptoms of E. Coli infection in your GI tract include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Pain/Cramps
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
Infection in your Urinary tract can lead to other symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal/Pelvic Pain
- Pain or burning during urination
- Urgent need to pee
- Cloudy, foul smelling urine
Symptoms of most E. Coli infections typically start to show within 3 to 5 days from exposure, though some strains can make you sick within hours of exposure.
If you are experiencing a fever higher than 102°F, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that has lasted for more than 3 days without improvement, so much vomiting you can’t keep liquids down, or symptoms of dehydration (lack of urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up), you should seek medical attention right away.
What Are Shiga Toxin-Producing E. Coli?
Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli, also known as STEC, is a strain of E. Coli that causes damage to your body’s cells. This toxin is known for severe outbreaks of E. Coli, and is often linked to contaminated foods.
This form of E. Coli is also capable of causing bleeding, specifically in your intestines, which can lead to bloody diarrhea. Approximately 5% to 10% of individuals infected with STEC develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, also known as HUS, which causes blood clots and damage to your kidneys and requires hospitalization and can lead to death in some individuals. This form of E. Coli can also lead to permanent health problems.
The Dangers of Consuming Raw/Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Consuming dairy products that have not been pasteurized has been a fad for quite some time. However, doing so comes with several risks that should not be overlooked.
Pasteurization of dairy products removes harmful bacteria and other germs from the product, making it safe for consumption. Consuming raw products can put you in contact with these and other types of harmful bacteria:
- E. Coli: These bacteria are linked to various health problems, including diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and kidney damage.
- Listeria monocytogenes: These bacteria are extremely dangerous to pregnant people, and can lead to miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm birth, or fatal infection in newborns.
- Salmonella: Causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever
Other illnesses include Campylobacter, Brucella, Tuberculosis, and Avian Influenza. Additionally, individuals can develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (a disease that causes paralysis) or Meningitis.
High-risk individuals include:
- Children
- the elderly
- Those who are pregnant
- people with compromised immune systems.
Even if a farm is “clean”, operates under “certified organic standards”, and tests for pathogens, the risk of contamination is not fully eliminated. Bacteria can enter the milk via feces, skin, or contaminated equipment, and one test does not guarantee the safety of the next batch. In fact, raw dairy has been linked to 96% of dairy related illness outbreaks. Additionally, there is no impact on the nutritional value of raw milk vs regular, pasteurized milk, and pasteurization does not cause lactose intolerance. The risks of consuming raw dairy products outweighs the alleged health benefits. According to experts, the safest way to consume dairy is to ensure the product has been pasteurized.
How a Product Liability Attorney Can Help
The product liability attorneys at Ankin Law have the experience and resources to hold negligent companies like RAW FARM liable for their lack of action in mitigating the damage caused by these unreasonably dangerous products. We will help make sure they pay the price for the harm you suffered due to their product.
Refusing to issue a product recall when the product has been linked to illness or injury is egregiously negligent, and puts the public in unnecessary danger, all for the sake of profit. These companies need to be sent a message, and Ankin Law is here to deliver it. Contact our law firm today if you or a loved one suffered illness due to a contaminated product.
When you work with the experienced product liability attorneys at Ankin Law, you can expect 24/7 legal support, professional and personalized services, and a compassionate team who will fight to ensure your rights are protected.
What if I Can’t Afford an Attorney?
At Ankin Law, we believe in making justice accessible to all injured victims. Our product liability attorneys operate on a contingency fee structure, which means that you owe us nothing unless we win your product liability case. Our law firm also offers free legal consultations.
