E. coli Outbreak: Consumers Advised to Dispose of Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is advising consumers to discard Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese due to an ongoing E. coli outbreak investigation linked to the product. Federal and state officials have identified seven illnesses across three states, with two hospitalizations, primarily affecting young children.
What changed
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued an advisory urging consumers to immediately dispose of all Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese products due to an ongoing investigation into Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections. This advisory follows reports from the CDC and FDA linking the outbreak to Raw Farm's raw cheddar cheese, with seven illnesses and two hospitalizations reported across three states. Although no Massachusetts cases have been identified, the DPH is issuing this warning proactively due to the product's nationwide distribution and Raw Farm LLC's refusal to voluntarily remove the products from sale.
Consumers are instructed not to eat the implicated cheese, to discard any they possess, and to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have contacted the product. Individuals who have consumed the cheese and develop symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or fever should seek prompt medical attention, as E. coli infection can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children. Retailers are also implicitly advised to remove these products from shelves.
What to do next
- Discard all Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese products.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or refrigerator areas that may have contacted the cheese.
- Monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
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Press Release
Press Release Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises consumers to dispose of raw cheddar cheese sold by Raw Farm, LLC due to ongoing E. coli outbreak
For immediate release: 3/27/2026
- Department of Public Health
Media Contact
Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations
Phone
Call Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at 617-624-5006
Online
Email Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at katheleen.m.conti@mass.gov
Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers to discard any Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese they have, as federal and state officials investigate an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections linked to the product. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, seven illnesses in three states have been identified to date, including two hospitalizations. More than half of the illnesses have affected children under the age of five. No deaths have been reported.
At this time, no Massachusetts cases have been linked to the outbreak. DPH is issuing this warning to raise awareness of the potential risk the product poses while it remains in distribution. DPH will continue working with federal partners to monitor the situation.
The outbreak has been linked to Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese, including block and shredded cheddar cheese products. According to the FDA, available evidence points to raw cheddar cheese products made by Raw Farm, LLC as the likely source of the outbreak. Raw Farm, LLC declined the FDA’s recommendation to voluntarily remove the products from sale. The products are distributed nationwide.
DPH advises consumers to:
- Do not eat Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese, including block and shredded cheddar products, while the investigation continues.
- Check refrigerators and freezers for these products and throw them away.
- Wash and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, containers, or refrigerator areas that may have come into contact with the cheese. This infographic shows how to clean your refrigerator in five steps.
- Watch for symptoms of E. coli infection if you or a family member consumed raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, LLC. Contact a health care provider right away if symptoms of E. coli infection develop. Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms typically begin about three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In some cases, infection can lead to serious kidney complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which may require hospitalization. Young children are at highest risk of getting HUS.
People should seek medical care promptly if they have:
- Diarrhea and a fever above 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting that prevents them from keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or dizziness when standing Consumers and retailers can find additional information on the federal outbreak notices from the CDC and FDA. DPH will continue to monitor any related illnesses in Massachusetts and share updates as needed.
CDC – E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese
FDA – Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026)
Media Contact
Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations
+
Phone
Call Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at 617-624-5006
Online
Email Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at katheleen.m.conti@mass.gov
Department of Public Health
Media Contact
Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations
Phone
Call Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at 617-624-5006
Online
Email Katheleen Conti, Assistant Director of Media Relations at katheleen.m.conti@mass.gov
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