E. coli outbreak in 4 states tied to raw cheddar cheese

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli potentially linked to raw cheddar cheese.

The federal agencies and state officials say the outbreak’s source is likely Raw Farm-brand Raw Cheddar Cheese made by Raw Farm LLC of Fresno, California. Raw Farm’s Raw Cheddar blocks and shredded cheese products – Original Flavor and Cheddar with added Jalapeño Flavor – were sold nationwide, the FDA said.

Ten people have been hospitalized in the outbreak – four in California, three in Colorado, two in Utah and one in Texas. One patient developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported, the FDA said.

Illnesses in the outbreak were reported from Oct. 18, 2023, to Jan. 29, according to the CDC. Six of the eight patients interviewed by state and local officials said they had eaten Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese, according to the FDA.

Raw Farm has recalled certain lots of its cheese currently within shelf life because of the investigation.

This outbreak is not to be confused with an ongoing listeria outbreak tied to cheese produced by Rizo-López Foods of Modesto, California, and products containing the cheese sold at stores including Albertsons, Costco, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Whole Foods and WinCo.

Most Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are harmless and normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. But eating or drinking food or water contaminated with certain types of E. coli can cause mild to life-threatening gastrointestinal illnesses.

E. coli contamination typically spreads when fecal matter comes into contact with food or water, the CDC says. Food handlers can spread infection when they do not use proper handwashing hygiene after using the restroom. Some wildlife and livestock may also spread E. coli to food and food crops.

E. coli infections typically occur three to four days after consuming the germ, according to the CDC. It can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting for around five to seven days.

PROVIDED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION The outbreak’s actual spread is likely larger than reported as people recover without medical care, the CDC says.