Two with E. coli in San Diego linked to Raw Farms Cheddar Cheese

County Public Health officials are warning people not to eat RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese because it has been linked to a Shiga-toxin producing E.coli outbreak that has made two people in San Diego sick.  

On April 2, the company issued a voluntary recall on its raw milk cheddar cheese (original and jalapeno flavored), shredded and block products. 

Nine people have gotten sick with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC) in this outbreak. This includes seven in California and two people in Florida and Texas. Three people have been hospitalized and one person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney problem. Over half of the illnesses are in children younger than five years old. Both San Diego residents who got sick are recovering.  

County health officials recommend people throw away any RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese products (original and jalapeno flavored) purchased after Jan. 4, 2026. The County is also sharing information about these products with local stores. 

“Raw milk products like unpasteurized cheese can carry dangerous bacteria, including Shiga toxin producing E. coli,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, County Public Health Officer. “These infections can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.” 

Most people with a STEC infection start feeling sick three to four days after eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms can start as early as one day or up to 10 days later. A STEC infection can sometimes lead to HUS, requiring hospitalization. Children are at highest risk. HUS can cause permanent kidney damage and is sometimes fatal. 

Common STEC symptoms include:   

• Severe abdominal cramps   
• Watery or bloody diarrhea    
• Vomiting   

People with these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.  

RAW FARM has been linked to previous outbreaks involving unpasteurized, or “raw,” milk products. The largest raw milk outbreak in U.S. history was identified in San Diego in 2023–24.  

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.