Raw-milk cheeses have been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 people across nine states; more than half of the cases are children age 5 and younger. Eight people were hospitalized and three developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a severe complication that can cause kidney failure. Public-health officials and the FDA warn that unpasteurized milk can carry pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria and advise consumers to choose pasteurized dairy and check for recalled products.
Raw Milk E. Coli Outbreaks Threaten Young Children — Recalled Cheeses and Farm Probe Raise Safety Concerns
A stock image of milk. Foodborne illness from consuming raw milk can harm young children.
A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw-milk cheeses and a separate investigation of an unlicensed California farm underscore the health risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy—especially for young children. Public-health officials say the recent recalls and inspections highlight why federal agencies recommend pasteurization to prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening infections.
Outbreak and Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently tied a multistate E. coli outbreak to Graziers raw milk cheeses sold by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. The recalled varieties included medium and sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages and in 5-pound loaves. According to the FDA update, 13 people in nine states have fallen ill: California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Michigan. More than half of reported cases are children aged 5 and younger.
Severity And Complications
Eight people required hospitalization, and three developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious complication that can cause kidney failure and death. HUS occurs most often in young children and can have long-term health consequences for survivors.
Other Recent Incidents
Separately, a ProPublica investigation reported that in 2025 two children became critically ill after drinking raw milk from an unlicensed California farm; state regulators subsequently issued a cease-and-desist order. ProPublica also reported that hundreds of illnesses nationwide have been linked to raw milk products in the last two years.
Claims Versus Evidence
Advocacy groups such as the Raw Milk Institute promote raw milk for its purported nutritional and digestive benefits, arguing it contains enzymes and bioavailable nutrients that support gut health and may reduce allergies. However, public-health agencies including the FDA dispute these claims and warn that raw milk can carry dangerous pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, which pasteurization is designed to eliminate.
Why Children Are Especially Vulnerable
Children are at greater risk from foodborne infections because their immune systems are still developing, they dehydrate more quickly than adults, and they are more likely to experience severe complications like HUS. Public-health investigators caution parents and caregivers to be especially careful about giving unpasteurized dairy to young children.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers should check refrigerators and pantries for recalled Graziers cheeses and follow FDA recall instructions. Because some recalled items have long shelf lives, additional illnesses could be linked to this outbreak as investigations continue. Health officials recommend choosing pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness and to monitor official FDA and state health department updates for new information.
Newsweek contacted the FDA for comment about the outbreaks and ongoing inspections.
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