E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Cheddar Cheese: What VA Consumers Should Know

Federal authorities are warning consumers of an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least nine people, including several children, and appears to be tied to raw cheddar cheese sold nationwide.

Of the nine who fell ill, seven were confirmed to have consumed Raw Farm-brand dairy products, five of whom ate the company’s raw cheddar cheese in 2026 and two of whom drank its raw milk in 2025, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which noted the affected milk is no longer for sale.

Over half the illnesses were in children under 5 years old, the agency said. Seven of the known cases occurred in California. There was one case each in Florida and Texas.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” according to an investigation update Wednesday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

Those known to be sickened fell ill between Sept. 1, 2025, and Feb. 20, 2026, according to authorities, who said three people were hospitalized and one developed a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths had been reported as of Thursday.

Those who fell ill reported buying the cheese at Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B, but there may be other retailers selling it, authorities said. Anyone who bought the cheese — in blocks or shredded — on or after Jan. 4, 2026, should throw it away, and clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers it touched.

E. coli symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Infections can be severe and lead to life-threatening or chronic conditions.

Federal authorities initiated an on-site inspection and sample collection, in coordination with state partners, at the Fresno-based Raw Farm LLC, but were unaware of any positive E. coli tests of the cheese.

Authorities have repeatedly recommended Raw Farm voluntarily remove the raw cheese products from the market. The firm initially declined and had not responded to an additional recommendation for removal as of Monday, according to the Food & Drug Administration.

Raw milk has not been pasteurized, which kills germs like E. coli, salmonella, listeria and campylobacter.

“Choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products is the best way to safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of milk,” according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update Monday.

Anyone who ate the cheese and has E. coli symptoms should consult a health care provider immediately, authorities said.