Nine Sickened as Multi-State E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Dairy Expands

Nine people, including several children under age 5, have been sickened by E. coli linked to Raw Farm raw dairy. CDC and FDA investigations are currently ongoing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 9:43 AM EDT

Source: People

Pediatric Vulnerability and Hospitalization Trends

The outbreak has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, with over half of the reported illnesses occurring in children under the age of five. To date, three individuals have required hospitalization. Notably, one case has progressed to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can result in permanent kidney failure or death. Health officials stress that while most adults recover within a week, the risk of life-threatening neurological and renal issues is significantly higher in young children consuming unpasteurized products.

Product Specifics and Consumer Warnings

The investigation focuses on Raw Farm brand products, specifically their raw cheddar cheese—including all block and shredded varieties—and raw milk. While some illnesses from 2025 were linked to raw milk consumption, more recent 2026 cases are primarily associated with the brand's cheddar cheese. The CDC has advised consumers to immediately discard any Raw Farm cheddar cheese currently in their possession and to sanitize any surfaces, such as cutting boards or refrigerator shelves, that may have come into contact with the product.

Regulatory Friction and Manufacturer Response

There is a documented impasse between federal regulators and the producer. The FDA revealed that it formally recommended Raw Farm voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from the market on March 14, 2026, a request the company reportedly declined. While an on-site inspection of the facility did not yield positive E. coli results in the current batches of cheese, the epidemiological evidence linking the illnesses to the brand has prompted the FDA to issue public warnings to retailers and consumers ahead of a mandatory enforcement action.