An E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk and raw cheddar cheese has sickened nine people in recent months, with more than half of the cases occurring in children under age five. Three people have required hospitalization. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) identified Raw Farm as the likely source after interviewing eight of the nine sick individuals, all of whom reported consuming raw milk or raw cheddar cheese from the brand .

What Happened in This Outbreak?

The FDA initiated an onsite inspection at Raw Farm after the outbreak was identified. Notably, the agency stated it was not aware of any recent positive E. coli tests from the company's products. However, Raw Farm's response has been contentious. The company's president, Aaron McAfee, posted on Instagram that "100% of the results are negative. No positives at retail from our sampling or the government sampling," while simultaneously stating the company "100% disagree[s] with the FDA's false 'possible link' and extreme allegations" .

Despite the ongoing investigation, Raw Farm has continued to sell and promote its products while amplifying supportive comments on social media. This approach stands in contrast to typical food safety protocols, where companies voluntarily recall products when linked to illness outbreaks.

Why Is Raw Dairy Particularly Risky for Young Children?

Raw milk and raw dairy products bypass the pasteurization process, which heats milk to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Young children, whose immune systems are still developing, face heightened vulnerability to foodborne pathogens. E. coli infections can cause severe diarrhea, kidney damage, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. The fact that more than half of the cases in this outbreak involved children under five underscores why pediatric health experts have long cautioned against raw dairy for infants and toddlers.

The FDA and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend that pregnant women, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals avoid raw milk and raw dairy products entirely. Yet raw dairy has gained popularity in some wellness communities, marketed as more "natural" or "nutrient-dense" than pasteurized alternatives, despite scientific evidence showing pasteurization does not significantly reduce nutritional value.

How to Protect Your Family from Foodborne Illness

• Choose Pasteurized Dairy: Select milk, cheese, and yogurt labeled as pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria while preserving nutritional content and taste. Check labels carefully, as some specialty cheese shops and farmers markets sell raw versions without clear labeling.
• Verify Product Sources: When purchasing dairy products, especially from farmers markets or specialty retailers, ask directly whether items are pasteurized. Don't assume labels are clear; some raw products are sold alongside pasteurized ones.
• Monitor for Illness Symptoms: If your child develops severe diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, or fever after consuming dairy products, seek medical attention immediately. Report suspected foodborne illness to your local health department and the FDA's MedWatch program.
• Keep Receipts and Product Information: Maintain records of where you purchase dairy products, including brand names and purchase dates. This information is critical if a recall occurs or if your child becomes ill.

The FDA's focus on infant formula safety and food labeling updates, announced in briefings to U.S. senators, reflects growing concern about gaps in food safety oversight . As part of these efforts, the agency is working to update food labels and define ultra-processed foods, signaling a broader push to improve transparency and safety standards across the food supply.

Parents should remain vigilant about the sources of their children's food, particularly for vulnerable age groups. While raw dairy advocates argue for the right to choose, the current outbreak demonstrates that these products carry real risks, especially for young children who cannot advocate for themselves and whose developing bodies are less equipped to fight serious infections.

If you have questions about whether specific dairy products in your home are pasteurized, contact the manufacturer directly or consult your pediatrician. When in doubt, choosing pasteurized options eliminates the risk of E. coli and other pathogens that raw dairy can harbor.