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Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak: FDA Probes Cheese Safety

New York Times Business •
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Federal health authorities are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm dairy products that has sickened seven people across California, Texas, and Florida. The Food and Drug Administration identified raw Cheddar cheese blocks and shredded cheese as the likely source, though the company denies any connection.

Three patients reported eating Raw Farm Cheddar cheese before falling ill between September 2024 and February 2025. The farm maintains it conducts extensive testing, with 3,238 routine E. coli tests performed since September. Company officials claim all products released to market carry negative pathogen certificates.

This marks the latest controversy for Raw Farm, which previously faced E. coli outbreaks in 2024 and a massive salmonella outbreak in 2023-2024 affecting 171 people. The farm's founder, Mark McAfee, said this is the first time the company has refused a voluntary recall, despite past outbreaks leading to product withdrawals. Public health officials continue warning about the risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy products.