E. coli Outbreak Tied to Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese

Federal health officials have linked at least seven cases of E. coli infections, including among young children, to raw cheddar cheese produced by a Fresno, California-based farm, prompting warnings for consumers to avoid the products despite the company's refusal to issue a recall.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the connection on Monday, identifying Raw Farm LLC's raw cheddar cheese as the likely source of the multistate outbreak involving the dangerous E. coli O157:H7 strain. Illnesses occurred between September and mid-February, with five cases in California, one in Florida and one in Texas. More than half of those affected were children aged 3 or younger, and two people required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported.

Investigators traced the outbreak through patient interviews and laboratory analysis. Of the seven patients, three were interviewed, and all reported consuming Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese made from unpasteurized milk. Whole genome sequencing of E. coli samples from the ill individuals revealed that the bacterial strains were closely related genetically, suggesting a common source of exposure. Officials are continuing to...