E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese allegedly sickens 7 people across multiple states
The recent E. coli outbreak that affected seven people across California, Texas, and Florida has been linked to a raw cheddar cheese product, according to federal regulators. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that many of the affected individuals were children aged 3 or younger.
The outbreak, caused by E. coli O157:H7 infections, has raised concerns among health officials. Five cases were reported in California, one in Florida, and another in Texas. The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is actively investigating the outbreak in collaboration with state and local partners.
The source of the outbreak has been traced back to RAW FARM, a California producer known for its raw dairy products. Despite the FDA’s recommendation, RAW FARM has refused to issue a voluntary recall of its shredded raw cheddar cheese product. The dairy farm denied the allegations, stating that no tests have confirmed a positive match for the E. coli strain in their products.
In response to the FDA’s claims, RAW FARM emphasized that all of their products have tested negative for harmful bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7. The company accused the FDA and CDC of making false allegations and harassing their brand.
Although no RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese products have tested positive for E. coli, state partners have started collecting product samples for further testing. Epidemiological data has been used to track the infections, with evidence pointing to RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products as the likely source of the outbreak.
Federal regulators have interviewed three individuals who reported eating RAW FARM–brand cheese, further strengthening the link between the product and the outbreak. Local officials are working to gather additional information for the remaining four cases.
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the outbreak to prevent further infections and ensure the safety of consumers. It is essential for individuals who may have consumed RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to E. coli contamination.
