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Raw Milk Cheeses Spark E. coli Outbreak in Children
1 Oct
Summary
- Raw milk cheese recall linked to E. coli sickened 13 people.
- Over half of those affected by the E. coli outbreak were young children.
- Three individuals developed serious kidney complication HUS.
Recent foodborne illnesses linked to raw milk products are disproportionately affecting young children in the United States. A multistate E. coli outbreak has been associated with Graziers raw milk cheeses, leading to a recall of several varieties including cheddar and Monterey jack.
As of the recall announcement, 13 individuals across nine states reported falling ill, with over half being children aged five and younger. Eight were hospitalized, and three developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that can cause kidney failure and death, especially in young children.
This recall is not an isolated event. An investigation into an unlicensed California farm revealed two children critically ill after consuming raw milk in 2025. Despite warnings from the FDA about dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria in raw milk, its consumption has seen a resurgence.
Children are particularly vulnerable to raw milk's risks due to their underdeveloped immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe illness and dehydration. Health authorities continue to recommend pasteurized milk as a safer alternative.
