Federal health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm’s raw cheddar cheese.

Over half of the patients are under age 5. This vulnerable group is prone to severe, life-threatening kidney issues.

Raw milk products are not pasteurized. They skip the heat treatment used to kill harmful pathogens like E. coli.

Genetic sequencing shows patients share a common source. 100% of those interviewed reported eating this specific cheese.

Despite FDA warnings, Raw Farm has declined to recall products, citing that their own tests have not found pathogens.

STEC E. coli causes bloody diarrhea and severe cramps. In children, it can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

Proponents claim raw dairy has benefits, but health agencies maintain that the risk of contamination remains high.

Officials urge consumers and retailers to discard any Raw Farm cheddar cheese to prevent further infections.

Clean all surfaces that touched the cheese. Use hot, soapy water to sanitize your kitchen and containers.

Outbreaks highlight the need for rigorous safety standards within small and large-scale dairy production systems.

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