HOUSTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a multistate outbreak of E.coli linked to RAW FARM-branded block and shredded cheddar cheese, including at least one confirmed case in Texas.
As of Sunday, the FDA reported seven confirmed infections: five in California, and one each in Florida and Texas. Four of the affected individuals are aged three years or younger, and at least two have been hospitalized.
State and local public health officials have interviewed three of those infected, all of whom reported consuming RAW FARM raw cheddar cheese. Illness onset dates range from September 1, 2025, to February 13, 2026. Investigators are continuing to collect information on the other four cases.
While no deaths have been reported, the FDA warned that this strain of E.coli can cause severe kidney complications and may require hospitalization. The agency has urged RAW FARM LLC to voluntarily remove the affected cheese products from stores, though the company has declined. Products are reportedly sold at common grocery stores in Texas, including H-E-B and Sprouts.
Consumers are advised to avoid RAW FARM-branded cheddar cheese and to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms of E.coli, which include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
The FDA emphasized that no cheese samples have yet tested positive for E.coli, but testing and investigation are ongoing. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
