RAW Farm Cheddar Cheese Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese was linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that made 9 people sick in California, Florida and Texas. Three people were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Raw Farm, LLC recalled its raw cheddar cheeses on April 2, 2026, and the CDC declared the outbreak over on April 30, 2026. As of October 2026, no lawsuit, class action or MDL has been filed over it. Check your refrigerator for recalled RAW FARM cheese, and do not eat it.

Latest Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese Lawsuit Updates

April 30, 2026: CDC Declares the Outbreak Over

The CDC declared the outbreak over after a final count of 9 illnesses in 3 states. Of the 9 people, 3 were hospitalized. One developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and none died [1]. The FDA said its outbreak investigation was complete. The CDC said recalled products could still be in homes. It advised people to check the refrigerator and throw away or return them.

April 16, 2026: FDA Reports Cheese Sample Results

The FDA reported that 1 of 19 samples of RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese tested positive for E. coli [2]. Whole genome sequencing showed a different strain than the one in the outbreak. That cheese was not shipped to stores and is not available for sale.

April 7, 2026: Raw Farm Updates Its Recall Announcement

RAW FARM, LLC updated the language and product names on its recall announcement for certain RAW FARM-brand cheeses five days after the recall began on April 2, 2026, and the recall covers all RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheeses.

April 3, 2026: FDA Reports Nine Illnesses in Three States

FDA reported that illnesses began between September 1, 2025 and February 20, 2026. Over half of the people who got sick were children under 5. These figures are reports to the agencies, not court findings.

April 2, 2026: Raw Farm Starts a Voluntary Recall

RAW FARM, LLC initiated a voluntary recall of certain RAW FARM-brand cheeses. FDA said it was working with the firm and its customers to determine whether any downstream recalls were necessary. The recall followed FDA’s earlier recommendations to take its raw cheese off shelves. The firm makes raw dairy products under the RAW FARM brand.

March 30, 2026: FDA Again Recommends a Recall

FDA again recommended that RAW FARM, LLC voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from the market. FDA stated that the firm had not responded. FDA started an onsite inspection and sample collection with state partners.

March 26, 2026: FDA and CDC Report Two More Illnesses

FDA and CDC reported 2 additional illnesses, bringing the total to 9 people in 3 states. All 8 people interviewed reported consuming or being served raw dairy products.

March 15, 2026: FDA and CDC Open an Outbreak Investigation

FDA and CDC announced an investigation of a multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. As of March 14, 2026, 7 confirmed infections were reported in California (5), Florida (1) and Texas (1), with 2 patients hospitalized. FDA said epidemiologic evidence indicated that RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese made by RAW FARM, LLC was the likely source of the outbreak.

What Is E. Coli O157:H7?

According to CDC, E. coli are germs called bacteria. The germs live in the environment, in foods and water, and in the intestines of people and animals [3]. Most are harmless, but some can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. The outbreak on this page involved the E. coli type named O157:H7.

Who May Be Affected?

People who ate or were served RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese may be affected. The cheese was sold at retailers nationwide, according to the CDC’s recalled-food list [4]. Restaurant, retail and foodservice customers who received the wholesale products are also named in FDA’s cleaning advice. Five sick people in 2026 reported eating RAW FARM raw cheddar. Whether you can bring a claim depends on your own facts, so a legal review looks at your illness, your purchase and your records.

Reported Injuries or Damages

No injuries are alleged in court. The illnesses counted by CDC and FDA are regulator reports, not findings of liability. Ages ranged from 1 to 28 years, and the median age was 2. CDC symptoms guidance says most people with E. coli infection have diarrhea that can be bloody or watery. They also have stomach cramps that can be severe [5]. Some have vomiting or a low fever. CDC says to call a doctor for diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 2 days. Call for bloody poop or pee, a fever higher than 102°F, or signs of dehydration or HUS. HUS is a medical emergency. In its final update, CDC said Raw Farm brand raw dairy products “may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and may have made people sick.” CDC also said the true number of sick people was likely much higher.

Recall and Regulatory Background

On April 2, 2026, Raw Farm, LLC recalled every Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese. The recall has ended, but CDC says recalled cheese could still be in homes. Original and jalapeno flavors are included. Expiration dates on the recalled items fall on or before 9/24/2026. Check any cheese you still have against the brand name and dates. Raw Farm has not been named in a lawsuit over the outbreak, so the recall is the regulatory action so far. A recall does not by itself establish liability.

Evidence to Preserve

These items can help show what you ate, when you ate it and how you were affected:

• The package or label showing the brand, size and best-by date, if you still have it.
• Any leftover cheese, sealed in a bag and kept in the freezer, in case health officials ask for it.
• Receipts, loyalty-card records or bank statements that show where and when you bought the cheese.
• Photographs of the cheese, its packaging and the best-by date on the label.
• Medical records and stool test results, plus the names of your doctors and the dates of your care.
• A diary of your symptoms, with dates, and any work you missed because of the illness.
• Messages with the store, the company or health officials about the cheese or the illness.

Filing Deadlines

Time limits for filing an injury claim come from state law and depend on your state, the date of your illness and the date of your diagnosis. Some states start the clock at diagnosis. A claim filed too late can be barred even if the facts are strong. A lawyer can tell you which deadline fits your case, so ask promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Brand of Cheese Is Recalled?

The recalled brand of cheese is RAW FARM, made by Raw Farm, LLC. The recall covers all RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheeses, in original and jalapeno flavors, according to CDC.

Is Raw Milk Cheese Legal?

Raw milk cheese labeled cheddar is legal under 21 CFR 133.113 only when the cheese is cured. The cure is at a temperature of not less than 35 °F for at least 60 days [6].

What Does the Research Say About the Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese Outbreak?

The research on the Raw Farm cheddar cheese outbreak comes from CDC, which compared the people interviewed with respondents to the FoodNet Population Survey. In that survey, 6.4% reported unpasteurized milk or cheese.

Who Is Most at Risk of Getting Sick from Contaminated Cheese?

People most at risk of getting sick from contaminated cheese include children younger than 5 and adults 65 and older. CDC also names people with weakened immune systems. CDC lists these groups in its overview of E. coli illness.

How Soon Do Symptoms Start After Eating Contaminated Cheese?

Symptoms start anywhere from a few days after eating contaminated cheese up to nine days later, according to FDA. If you ate recalled cheese and feel sick, call a doctor and tell the provider which cheese you ate and when.

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/rawcheese-03-26/investigation.html
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/rawcheese-03-26/index.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/signs-symptoms/index.html
6. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/133.113