Will cooking RAW FARM recalled cheese kill the bacteria?

Cooking may not reliably reach a temperature high enough throughout the product. The FDA advises consumers not to cook and consume recalled cheese.

FDA Recall: RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, for Potential Foodborne Illness – E. coli

Source: FDA

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FDA Recall: RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, for Potential Foodborne Illness – E. coli

Q: Why did RAW FARM recall its raw milk cheddar cheese?

The FDA requested the recall after epidemiological data linked certain RAW FARM cheddar cheese lots to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.

Q: Which RAW FARM cheese varieties are included in the recall?

Only the raw milk cheddar cheese blocks and shreds listed in the affected lot table are included; no other RAW FARM products are recalled.

Q: Is the RAW FARM cheese recall nationwide?

Yes, the recall applies to products distributed across the entire United States.

Q: How can I obtain a refund for recalled RAW FARM cheddar?

Return the cheese to the store where you bought it for a full refund; a receipt is usually not required.

Q: Have illnesses been confirmed in connection with RAW FARM cheese?

The FDA is investigating an outbreak potentially linked to the cheese. As of the recall date, RAW FARM has not reported confirmed laboratory illnesses.

Q: Can I safely freeze RAW FARM cheddar and eat it later?

No. Freezing does not eliminate E. coli. Recalled cheese should be returned or discarded.

RAW FARM • April 02, 2026

RAW FARM Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese Recall Over E. coli O157:H7 Concerns

RAW FARM, LLC has initiated a voluntary, nationwide recall of select raw milk cheddar cheese blocks and shredded products because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O157:H7. No pathogens were found in finished-product testing, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urged the recall after epidemiological evidence linked the cheese to illnesses. Consumers should stop using the affected cheese immediately and return it for a full refund.

RAW FARM Recall Details

Brand: RAW FARM
Products: Raw milk cheddar cheese (blocks and shreds)
Hazard: Possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7
Recall Scope: Voluntary, United States–wide
Announcement Date: March 9, 2024
FDA Recall Number: Refer to the official FDA notice

Sources

Affected RAW FARM Lot Numbers & UPCs

Item #	Description	Lot Code	Best By	UPC / Barcode
1050	8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block	20251027-2	08/23/2026	835204001177
1060	80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block	20251015-4	08/11/2026	835204001160
1075	16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block	20251027-4	08/23/2026	835204000156
1076	80 oz Original Cheddar Shred	20260205	05/06/2026	835204000194
1078	16 oz Jalapeño Cheddar Block	20251128-1J	09/24/2026	835204000354
1080	8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred	20260212	05/13/2026	835204001184
1090	8 oz Jalapeño Cheddar Block	20251128-2J	09/24/2026	835204000330

What RAW FARM Customers Should Do

Check refrigerators and freezers for any of the lot codes or UPCs listed above.
Do not eat or taste the recalled cheese—even if it looks or smells normal.
Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
If return is not possible, discard the cheese in a sealed bag and sanitize any surfaces it contacted.
Direct questions to RAW FARM through their online contact form.

E. coli O157:H7 Health Risks

Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O157:H7 can trigger severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In vulnerable groups—children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems—the infection may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure. Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating RAW FARM cheddar cheese should seek medical care and mention possible E. coli exposure.

RAW FARM & FDA Statements

RAW FARM reports that internal and regulatory sampling has not detected E. coli in finished products. The company is conducting the recall “under protest” but says it is cooperating fully with FDA and state health officials while the outbreak investigation continues.

RAW FARM Cheddar Recall FAQ

1. Why did RAW FARM recall its raw milk cheddar cheese?

The FDA asked RAW FARM to recall specific cheddar cheese products after epidemiological data linked them to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, even though no pathogen was found in product testing.

2. Which RAW FARM cheese varieties are included in the recall?

Only the raw milk cheddar cheese blocks and shreds with the lot codes and UPCs listed in the table above are affected; no other RAW FARM products are involved.

3. Is the RAW FARM cheese recall nationwide?

Yes. Distribution occurred across the United States, so consumers in any state should verify their cheese against the recalled lots.

4. How can I obtain a refund for recalled RAW FARM cheddar?

Return the cheese to the retailer where it was purchased; most stores will provide a full refund, even without a receipt.

5. Have illnesses been confirmed in connection with RAW FARM cheese?

The FDA has opened an outbreak investigation. As of the recall date, no laboratory-confirmed illnesses have been publicly reported by RAW FARM, but health authorities are still collecting data.

6. Can I safely freeze RAW FARM cheddar and eat it later?

No. Freezing does not destroy E. coli; recalled RAW FARM cheese should be returned or discarded, not stored for future use.

7. Will cooking RAW FARM recalled cheese eliminate the bacteria?

Although high heat can kill E. coli, home cooking temperatures are not always reliable. The FDA recommends disposing of or returning the product instead of attempting to cook it.