E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese brand: CDC, FDA
Federal and local health agencies are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese products. Seven confirmed infections across three states have been reported, leading to two hospitalizations. Four of the seven patients nationwide are three years old or younger. Health officials warn consumers to discard affected RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese immediately. Meanwhile, Family Farmstead Dairy issued a separate recall for its raw mild cheddar cheese across seven states due to potential contamination, though no illnesses have been tied to that brand at this stage.
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- ✓ An ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli has been linked to RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese.
- ✓ As of March 14, 2026, seven confirmed infections have been reported across three states, including five in California and two in Los Angeles County.
- ✓ Two patients have been hospitalized in connection with the RAW FARM-brand cheese outbreak, and no deaths have been reported.
- ✓ Four of the seven patients nationwide in the RAW FARM outbreak are three years old or younger.
What changed
Family Farmstead Dairy recalled raw mild cheddar cheese across at least seven states due to potential E. coli contamination.
Live updates
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Raw Cheese E. Coli Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple States
Federal and local health agencies are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese products. Seven confirmed infections across three states have been reported, leading to two hospitalizations. Four of the seven patients nationwide are three years old or younger. Health officials warn consumers to discard affected RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese immediately. Meanwhile, Family Farmstead Dairy issued a separate recall for its raw mild cheddar cheese across seven states due to potential contamination, though no illnesses have been tied to that brand at this stage.
Why it matters
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections can cause severe health complications, including stomach cramps, fever, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening kidney problems requiring hospitalization. Federal health regulators previously elevated the recall status of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese to Class I as thirteen people across nine to thirteen states fell ill, with eight hospitalizations and multiple serious kidney complications reported. The involvement of multiple dairy brands highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding raw milk cheese distribution.
What is confirmed
- An ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli has been linked to RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese.
- As of March 14, 2026, seven confirmed infections have been reported across three states, including five in California and two in Los Angeles County.
- Two patients have been hospitalized in connection with the RAW FARM-brand cheese outbreak, and no deaths have been reported.
- Four of the seven patients nationwide in the RAW FARM outbreak are three years old or younger.
- Family Farmstead Dairy recalled raw mild cheddar cheese, lot 7/22/27, for possible E. coli O26:H11 and O45:H2 across seven states with no illnesses reported.
Still unconfirmed
- A California dairy company declined the Food and Drug Administration recall request.
What to watch next
- Updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration on the total case count and geographic spread.
- Results from further federal investigations into the specific lots and distribution networks of the contaminated raw cheese brands.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- outbreakthreat.com — Outbreak Map 2026: Norovirus, Measles, Food Recalls & Disease ...
- www.cspi.org — Food recalls to watch right now: Updated Sep. 2026
- nutradetective.com — Family Farmstead Raw Cheddar Recall: E. coli | NutraDetective
- lacounty.gov — Public Health Issues Alert: Do Not Consume RAW FARM-Brand Cheddar Cheese Linked to Ongoing E. coli Outbreak – COUNTY OF LOS ANGE....
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- www.altadena-now.com — Altadena Now » LA County Warns of E. Coli Outbreak Linked to ...
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FDA Classifies Raw Milk Cheese Recall as High Risk
Federal health regulators have elevated the recall status of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese to Class I, indicating the highest risk level as an E. coli outbreak continues to spread. Thirteen people across nine to 13 states have fallen ill, with eight individuals hospitalized and multiple serious kidney complications reported. The contamination involves raw cheddar and jack cheese varieties distributed across numerous states. Meanwhile, Family Farmstead Dairy also recalled raw mild cheddar cheese across at least seven states due to potential E. coli contamination, though no illnesses have been linked to that specific brand so far.
Why it matters
Class I recalls are reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Raw milk cheese poses elevated pathogen risks because the milk is not pasteurized, allowing bacteria like E. coli to survive the cheese-making process. State and federal agencies are tracking the distribution channels across the country to prevent further consumption.
What is confirmed
- The FDA rates the Graziers raw milk cheese E. coli recall as Class I.
- Thirteen E. coli cases have been reported in connection with the Sierra Nevada Graziers cheese recall.
- Eight people have been hospitalized in the Graziers cheese outbreak.
- Family Farmstead Dairy recalled raw mild cheddar cheese distributed to retailers in at least seven states.
- No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the Family Farmstead Dairy cheese recall.
Still unconfirmed
- Three serious kidney complications have occurred as a result of the Graziers cheese outbreak.
What to watch next
- Additional updates from the FDA or CDC regarding new illness tallies or impacted distribution states
- Reports of further retail expansions or specific lot code retrievals for the recalled cheese varieties
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.foodpoisoningnews.com — Kit Redwine - Food Poisoning News
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- doh.wa.gov — Food Recalls and Safety Alerts - Washington State Department ...
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- www.foodworldnews.com — Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Recall Moves to Class I as FDA ...
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- www.newsbreak.com — Dozens are sick due to Salmonella outbreak linked to oysters in Virginia and 11 other states - NewsBreak
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- pasadenanow.com — LA County Warns of E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheese Sold ...
- capitaldigest.com — USDA Confirms Trader Joe's Wraps Caused E. Coli Outbreak
- foodpoisoningbulletin.com — Family Farmstead Raw Mild Cheddar Recalled For E. coli O157:H7
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E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese expands
An E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people across multiple states, with eight hospitalized. The outbreak is associated with recalls by Family Farmstead Dairy and Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. The recalled cheese was distributed to at least 13 states. The CDC and FDA are investigating.
Why it matters
The outbreak involves E. coli O26:H11 and E. coli O157:H7 strains. Raw milk cheese can pose a risk of E. coli contamination, which can cause severe foodborne illness. The recalls and investigation aim to prevent further illnesses. This outbreak highlights the risks associated with consuming raw milk products.
What is confirmed
- 13 people have been sickened across multiple states.
- Eight people have been hospitalized.
- The outbreak is linked to raw milk cheese distributed to at least 13 states.
- E. coli O26:H11 and E. coli O157:H7 strains are involved.
- Family Farmstead Dairy recalled a specific lot of Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese for potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
What to watch next
- Further updates on the investigation by the CDC and FDA
- Additional recalls of raw milk cheese products
- Reports of new illnesses or hospitalizations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Cheddar Cheese Recalled in 7 States Due to Potential E. Coli ...
- www.newsbreak.com — NFL Players Association calls for full investigation into Jalen Hurts’ medical care - NewsBreak
- www.4029tv.com — 8 people hospitalized in E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese - KHBS
- www.contagionlive.com — Raw Cheddar Cheese Recall Flags Non-O157 E coli
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FDA issues highest risk warning as raw milk cheese recall expands to 13 states
The FDA issued its highest risk warning following an E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese, extending the recall to 13 states. This follows previous recalls by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company and Family Farmstead Dairy. The Sierra Nevada outbreak involved E. coli O26:H11, sickening 13 people across nine states and causing three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Family Farmstead Dairy separately recalled cheddar distributed to New York, New Jersey, and five other states after testing found E. coli O157:H7.
Why it matters
Raw milk products carry higher risks of bacterial contamination because they bypass pasteurization. The current situation involves multiple strains of E. coli affecting various states and demographics, including young children.
What is confirmed
- The FDA issued its highest risk warning for a raw milk cheese recall affecting 13 states.
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled products after an E. coli O26:H11 outbreak sickened 13 people in nine states.
- Eight people were hospitalized and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome from the Sierra Nevada outbreak.
- More than half of the Sierra Nevada outbreak victims were children aged five or younger.
- Family Farmstead Dairy recalled cheddar distributed to New York, New Jersey, and five other states due to E. coli O157:H7.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of which specific brands are included in the expanded 13-state recall
- FDA reports on the origin of the contamination
- Updates on the health status of the 13 sickened individuals
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- www.newsweek.com — Correction policies and requests
- www.contagionlive.com — Food Safety | Clinical | Contagion Live
- www.newsweek.com — Cheese recall update in 13 states as FDA issues highest risk ...
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Two Raw Milk Cheese Brands Recalled Amid E. coli Concerns
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company and Family Farmstead Dairy have recalled raw milk cheddar products due to E. coli contamination. The Sierra Nevada recall follows an O26:H11 outbreak that sickened 13 people across nine states, including eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome. More than half of those affected were children aged five or younger. Separately, Family Farmstead Dairy recalled cheddar cheese distributed to grocers in New York, New Jersey, and five other states after testing detected E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Why it matters
Raw milk products bypass pasteurization, which typically kills harmful bacteria. This increase in risk is evident in the current outbreak where young children suffered severe kidney complications.
What is confirmed
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled Graziers raw milk cheeses due to E. coli O26:H11 contamination.
- The Sierra Nevada outbreak affected 13 people in nine states.
- Eight people were hospitalized during the Sierra Nevada outbreak, and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Family Farmstead Dairy recalled raw milk cheddar cheese after testing found E. coli O157:H7.
- Family Farmstead Dairy products were sold in New York, New Jersey, and five other states.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether the Family Farmstead Dairy recall is linked to the same outbreak as Sierra Nevada Cheese Company
- Updates on the recovery status of the three patients with kidney complications
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
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- en.wikipedia.org — E - Wikipedia
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- www.foodsafetynews.com — Raw milk cheese recalled after testing finds E. coli
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Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls All Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Over E. coli
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has issued a nationwide recall for all Graziers raw milk cheeses due to an E. coli O26:H11 outbreak. Federal health agencies report that the outbreak has sickened 13 people across nine states, with over half of the cases occurring in children aged five or younger. Eight individuals have been hospitalized, and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney complication. The recall includes medium and sharp cheddar varieties sold in stores and online. Officials advise consumers to discard the cheese immediately.
Why it matters
The voluntary recall began after the FDA contacted the company on Thursday, September 24, with notices posted by the FDA and CDC the following day. Because investigators have not narrowed the contamination to a specific production date or lot code, every batch of the grass-fed raw milk cheese remains off the shelves. The outbreak sits alongside separate foodborne illness investigations managed by federal health teams.
What is confirmed
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers raw milk cheese products due to an E. coli O26:H11 outbreak.
- The outbreak has sickened 13 people across nine states, resulting in eight hospitalizations.
- Three of the infected individuals developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kidney complication.
- Over half of the sickened individuals are children aged five or younger.
- The recalled cheese products were distributed and sold nationwide in stores and online.
- The investigation has not narrowed down the contamination to a specific lot code, date code, or production date.
Still unconfirmed
- The Food and Drug Administration has initiated onsite inspections in two outbreak investigations, though the specific location inspected for the cheese outbreak has not been disclosed.
What to watch next
- Updates from the FDA and CDC on the ongoing onsite inspections
- Further reports on whether illness numbers increase across additional states
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
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- www.foodworldnews.com — Graziers Raw Milk Cheese E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 13 in 9 ...
- www.wbrz.com — Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese recalled over E. coli ...
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- www.foodsafetynews.com — FDA begins onsite inspections in outbreak investigations
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Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalls all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has issued a voluntary recall for all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products following a link to an E. coli outbreak. Federal health agencies report that this outbreak, combined with separate produce incidents, has sickened 76 people and hospitalized six across 16 states. The CDC and FDA advise consumers to discard any recalled products immediately and monitor for symptoms. The specific contaminant identified in the raw milk cheese is E. coli O26:H11.
Why it matters
Raw milk products carry higher risks of bacterial contamination because they do not undergo pasteurization. This multistate outbreak highlights the ongoing food safety challenges associated with artisanal raw dairy production.
What is confirmed
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled its Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products due to potential E. coli O26:H11 contamination.
- A combined total of 76 people have fallen ill and six have been hospitalized across 16 states due to this and other produce outbreaks.
- The CDC and FDA are urging consumers to discard the recalled cheese.
What to watch next
- Updates on the total number of confirmed illnesses linked specifically to the cheese versus produce
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.yahoo.com — 3 Food Recalls You Should Check Your Kitchen for Right Now
- www.consumerreports.org — Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Recalled After Link to E. Coli ...
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Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese Expands
An ongoing multistate Escherichia coli outbreak linked to recalled raw milk cheese has expanded alongside separate produce outbreaks. Federal health agencies report that combined outbreaks have now sickened 76 people and hospitalized six individuals across 16 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration urge consumers to discard recalled items and monitor for health symptoms. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company previously initiated a voluntary market recall of its Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products due to potential Escherichia coli O26:H11 contamination.
Why it matters
Foodborne illness outbreaks involving raw milk dairy products carry high risks of severe gastrointestinal complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children. The involvement of multiple states and different food vehicles complicates containment efforts by federal health authorities. Consumers possessing affected merchandise are advised by regulators to dispose of the products immediately.
What is confirmed
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company initiated a voluntary recall of its Graziers products.
- Outbreaks tied to packaged sprouts and cheese have sickened 76 people and hospitalized six across 16 states.
What to watch next
- Updates from the FDA and CDC on case numbers and affected states
- Further recall expansions from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company or related distributors
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.theepochtimes.com — CDC Confirms Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese | The Epoch Times
- 600kcol.iheart.com — Salmonella, E. Coli Outbreaks From Produce And Cheese Expand | NewsTalk 600 KCOL
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E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese Spreads Across Nine States
Federal health agencies are investigating a multistate Escherichia coli outbreak linked to recalled raw milk cheeses. The ongoing outbreak has sickened 13 people across nine states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26:H11. Health officials previously reported that eight people have been hospitalized, three patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and most affected individuals are children aged five and under.
Why it matters
Outbreaks tied to raw milk products pose severe health risks because the milk does not undergo pasteurization, a process designed to kill harmful bacteria. Infections involving Escherichia coli O26 can lead to serious kidney complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in vulnerable populations like young children. Federal investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration aim to trace the distribution of the contaminated products and prevent further exposures.
What is confirmed
- The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate Escherichia coli outbreak linked to recalled raw milk cheeses.
- The ongoing outbreak has sickened 13 people in nine states including California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26:H11.
What to watch next
- Updates from the CDC and FDA on additional illness reports or hospitalizations
- Further supply chain tracing by federal health officials regarding the distribution of Graziers Raw Milk Cheese
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.foodsafetynews.com — New E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese | Food Safety News
- www.healio.com — E. coli outbreak in 9 states linked to raw milk cheese - Healio
- www.fda.gov — Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk | FDA
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E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese
Federal health agencies are investigating a multistate E. coli O26 outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Cheese Company's Graziers raw milk cheese. The contamination has sickened 13 people across nine states, leading to eight hospitalizations. Three patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney complication. Most of the affected individuals are children aged five and under. In response, health officials issued warnings and the company recalled specific cheddar and jack raw milk cheese varieties.
Why it matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are leading the investigation into the contaminated dairy products. Local health departments, including in San Diego County, have issued warnings regarding the recalled items. Raw milk products are frequently associated with foodborne pathogens because they do not undergo pasteurization.
What is confirmed
- The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to raw milk cheese.
- Thirteen people have fallen ill across nine states in connection with the outbreak.
- Eight people have been hospitalized, and three patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Most of the affected individuals are children aged five and under.
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled specific Graziers raw milk cheddar and jack cheese varieties.
Still unconfirmed
- Two children in San Diego County were specifically sickened by the recalled cheese brand.
What to watch next
- Additional illness reports from state health departments
- Further updates from the FDA and CDC regarding distribution channels of the recalled cheese
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (23)
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese brand: CDC, FDA
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