Based on reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several E. coli outbreaks in the last 20 years have been linked to raw cheese in the United States. Outbreaks linked specifically to raw cheese
- February 2024—Raw Farm Raw Cheddar Cheese: A multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak was traced to Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese.
- Cases: 11 people in five states—California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, and New Jersey—were infected.
- Outcomes: Five people were hospitalized, and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition.
- 2012—Raw Aged Gouda: The CDC investigated a multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to aged gouda cheese made from unpasteurized milk.
- Cases: 41 people across five states—Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada—were sickened.
- Outcomes: 18 people were hospitalized, including seven children.
Related raw milk E. coli outbreaks from raw dairy producers.
Some E. coli outbreaks have been linked to raw milk from producers that also make raw cheese.
- January 2016—Organic Pastures Dairy Company: This California-based raw dairy, which later became Raw Farm LLC, was linked to an E. coli outbreak from raw milk.
- Cases: 9 people were sickened.
- Outcomes: 2 people developed HUS.
- November 2011—Organic Pastures Dairy Company: An E. coli outbreak was tied to raw milk from the company.
- Cases: 5 people fell ill.
- Outcomes: 3 people developed HUS.
- September 2006—Organic Pastures Dairy Company: An E. coli outbreak was linked to the company's raw milk.
- Cases: 6 people were sickened.
- Outcomes: 2 people developed HUS.
Important considerations for foodborne illness
- Underreporting: The number of reported illnesses in an outbreak is often lower than the actual number of people who get sick. Many individuals recover without seeking medical care or being tested for the infection.
- High-risk groups: Illnesses from raw dairy can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.