County urges residents to throw out cheese linked to E.coli outbreak

East County News Service

April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County health officials are urging consumers to purge their refrigerators of specific raw cheddar cheese products after a multi-state E. coli outbreak that has hospitalized at least three people and left one person with a life-threatening kidney condition.

The warning, issued late Thursday, targets RAW FARM[1] brand raw milk cheddar cheese.

The Fresno-based company initiated a voluntary recall on April 2, 2026, after the outbreak was linked to nine illnesses across California, Florida and Texas.

In San Diego County, two residents have been confirmed sick, though county officials report that both are reportedly recovering.

The recall is for both original and jalapeño-flavored raw cheddar cheese in shredded and block forms.

County health officials recommend that anyone who purchased these products after January 4, 2026, immediately discard them.  

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, the specific products are:

• 8 oz.and 16 oz. blocks in the original flavor (expiration on or before Aug. 23, 2026) and Jalapeño flavor (expiration on or before Sept. 24, 2026);
• Shredded 8 oz. bags in the original flavor (expiration on or before May 13, 2026);
• Bulk 80 oz. blocks and shredded bags in the original flavor with various 2026 expiration dates.

While the investigation is ongoing, ill individuals reported purchasing the cheese at major retailers, including Sprouts Farmers Market and H-E-B, a grocery store found largely in Texas as well as Mexico.

Health officials express grave concern

According to a report from the county, of nine people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, more than half are children under the age of five. One patient has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that causes the small blood vessels in the kidneys to become damaged and inflamed. This can lead to clots that clog the filtering system, potentially resulting in permanent kidney failure or death.

“Raw milk products like unpasteurized cheese can carry dangerous bacteria, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County Public Health Officer. “These infections can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.”

The bacteria involved in this outbreak (STEC[2]) typically produce symptoms three to four days after ingestion, though the onset can range from 24 hours to 10 days. Common indicators include severe abdominal cramps watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

This is not the first time RAW FARM has been under the scrutiny of health investigators. The dairy was previously linked to the largest raw milk outbreak in U.S. history, which was identified in San Diego County between 2023 and 2024.

That event involved a Salmonella strain that sickened 171 people across multiple states, the vast majority of whom were in California.

More on the recall

Unlike pasteurized dairy (heated to kill pathogens) raw dairy is sold in its natural state. Proponents often cite probiotic benefits, but public health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, maintain that the lack of heat treatment leaves consumers vulnerable to various enteric pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeriosis, in addition to E. coli.

The county reports that it is currently working with local retailers to ensure the recalled products are removed from shelves. Residents who believe they have consumed the contaminated cheese and are experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

For those with the product still in their homes, officials advise cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces, such as refrigerator drawers or cutting boards, that may have come into contact with the cheese to prevent cross-contamination.