California’s Raw Farm issues voluntary recall of cheddar cheese amid E. coli outbreak

Raw Farm recall overview:

• Who: Raw Farm is recalling several batches of its raw milk cheddar cheese products.
• Why: The Raw Farm recall is due to potential contamination with E. coli, which has been linked to an outbreak affecting nine people.
• Where: The recall is active in the United States, particularly affecting consumers in California.

Raw Farm is recalling its raw milk cheddar cheese products following an E. coli outbreak that has sickened nine individuals, with seven cases reported in California.

The Raw Farm recall was announced on April 2, 2026, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised the farm to withdraw its unpasteurized cheese products from the market.

The recall applies to various batches of Raw Farm’s cheddar cheese, including both shredded and block forms. Specific products include the 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block, 80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block, 16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block, 80 oz Bag of Original Cheddar Shred, 16 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block, 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred, and 8 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block.

Company owner McAfee says extensive testing showed no contamination despite the FDA issuing an advisory warning consumers against purchasing Raw Farm products, particularly those bought on or after Jan. 4, 2026.

Cheese recall issued ‘out of protest,’ Raw Farm says

Raw Farm, based in Fresno, California, has been under scrutiny as the likely source of the E. coli outbreak, although no pathogens have been found in the cheese products tested by the FDA or state health officials.

“This voluntary recall is being performed under protest,” the company said, emphasizing its compliance with federal regulations for raw cheese production.

Despite the lack of confirmed contamination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised the public to avoid Raw Farm’s raw cheddar cheese.

Five of the nine individuals affected by the E. coli outbreak reported consuming the cheese before falling ill.The recall notice advises consumers to return the affected cheese products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Raw Farm is actively contesting the epidemiological links suggested by the FDA, asserting that its cheese is made from milk that is neither pasteurized nor thermalized yet fully compliant with federal standards.

The company has shared its test results with both the FDA and state regulators who spent nearly a week reviewing the farm’s procedures.

For more information about the Raw Farm recall, consumers can contact Raw Farm directly through its website at https://rawfarmusa.com/contact.

There have been five reports of illness related to the recall so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the Raw Farm recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

In a similar controversy in February 2024, Raw Farm was forced to recall 16-ounce and 8-ounce raw cheddar cheese blocks due to alleged E. coli contamination.

Are you affected by this Raw Farm recall? Let us know in the comments.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Idahoan class action claims instant mashed potatoes falsely advertised as containing butter
• Domino’s faces class action over claims it charged customers misleading ‘tax’ fees
• Olly class action claims apple cider vinegar gummies do not provide advertised benefits
• K.C. Pharmaceuticals recalls millions of eye drops over sterility concerns