Health officials investigate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese sold in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli in multiple states, including Florida, that appears to be linked to raw cheese products.

Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese sold nationwide at Sprouts Farmers Market stores has likely sickened seven people in Florida, Texas and California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Over half of the reported cases involve patients 3 years old or younger. Two people have been hospitalized. The known illness onset dates range from Sept. 1, 2025, to Feb. 13, 2026.

The FDA recommended that Raw Farm pull the affected products from the market, but they declined to do so. Health officials are testing samples of the cheese to confirm if E. coli bacteria are present.

No recall has been issued in connection with the outbreak, but health officials urge consumers not to eat the affected cheese while they investigate. They should also consider washing items and surfaces that the cheese may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Anyone who recently consumed the cheese should seek medical care if they experience the following........

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