Raw Farm, a Fresno County-based dairy operation widely recognized as one of the nation’s largest producers of raw dairy products, is pushing back against a federal investigation that suggests its raw cheddar cheese may be the source of a multistate E. coli outbreak. The company has declined a voluntary recall recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stating that all of its products have cleared internal and government testing.

The FDA announced on March 15, 2026, that it and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working alongside state and local health partners, are investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 linked based on epidemiological data to RAW FARM-brand block and shredded raw cheddar cheese. As of March 14, seven confirmed infections had been reported across California (5), Florida (1), and Texas (1), with illness onset dates ranging from September 1, 2025 through February 13, 2026. Two patients have been hospitalized. No deaths or cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) have been reported.

Raw Farm’s Position: No Product Evidence, No Recall

Raw Farm responded directly and forcefully on its official website and social media channels, disputing the FDA’s characterization of the situation. According to the company’s own published statement, Raw Farm maintains that there is “no actual link” between its products and the reported illnesses.

“We disagree 100% with the allegations made by the FDA and CDC,” the company stated on its website. “All our milk is tested prior to making cheese and our finished cheese is tested prior to release. We have no customer complaints at this time. FDA has found no Raw Farm products to be tested positive for E. coli in the marketplace.”

Raw Farm further stated in its official release: “All of our products have been CONFIRMED to be negative for all harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7. We have provided proof to the FDA of all of our tested negative lab results prior to selling and during this timeframe of their investigation. You are safe to consume ALL of our amazing products.” The company characterized the investigation as “a witch hunt for raw dairy foods and real raw cheese.”

The company noted that this is the first time in its history it has declined a voluntary recall. In a statement published by the company, a Raw Farm spokesperson explained: “That is why, for the first time in our company history, we declined a voluntary recall. Raw Farm tests every single batch of cheese before release, as well as our milk.”

What the FDA’s Investigation Shows and What It Doesn’t

The FDA’s investigation, as detailed on its official outbreak advisory page, relies primarily on epidemiological evidence. Of the seven confirmed cases, health investigators were able to interview three of the ill individuals about their food exposures. All three reported consuming RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese. Additionally, whole genome sequencing of E. coli isolates from the sick individuals showed the strains were closely genetically related to one another, indicating a probable common source.

However, a critical detail that Raw Farm has emphasized: as of March 14, 2026, no RAW FARM-branded cheddar cheese product from the relevant time period has tested positive for E. coli. State partners have initiated product sample collection, but results were not yet available at the time of the FDA’s advisory. The FDA itself acknowledged this gap, noting the investigation remains active.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the State of California had not taken independent action against the company as of the time of Raw Farm’s statement, a fact the company highlighted in its official response.

A Pattern Worth Noting: 2024 Investigation Outcome

Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee pointed out that the company has been through a similar situation before. In early 2024, the FDA and CDC investigated a separate E. coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm cheddar cheese. The company initially agreed to a voluntary recall but withdrew it after product testing returned negative results for E. coli. That outbreak was declared over by March 26, 2024, with 11 confirmed illnesses and no deaths.

“I am completely supported by our consumers,” McAfee stated publicly. “This is another speed bump that will pass and pass quickly.” He also emphasized that if any direct connection to an illness cluster were confirmed, the company would act immediately: “If we have any kind of direct connection to what’s going on, we will be the first to issue a voluntary recall and the first to tell you to throw away our products and not consume them until further notice. That’s not the case right now.”

What Consumers Should Know

This outbreak is particularly notable because of the age of those affected. The median age of confirmed cases is three years old, and four of the seven confirmed patients are children aged three or younger. E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever, and in serious cases can lead to HUS, a life-threatening form of kidney failure. The CDC and FDA note that children under five, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face the highest risk of serious complications.

Raw Farm’s cheddar cheese products are distributed nationally and are available at Sprouts Farmers Market locations, as well as natural and health food retailers in multiple states. The FDA has stopped short of an outright consumer warning, instead providing information to help consumers and retailers make informed decisions while the investigation continues. Consumers can monitor updates directly on the FDA’s outbreak investigation page or Raw Farm’s website.

The FDA does have the legal authority to issue a mandatory recall if it determines a product is adulterated, though the agency rarely exercises this option, preferring voluntary cooperation from producers. As of publication, no mandatory recall has been issued.