Food Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, August 10, 2026

A multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections earlier this year has been linked to raw cheddar cheese that sickened at least nine individuals across California, Texas, and Florida, according to state and federal health officials. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports the cheese was traced to a company in Fresno County, California.

Over half of those affected were young children, with several hospitalizations and one case progressing to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure.

The outbreak, spanning illness onset dates from September 2025 through February 2026, was epidemiologically linked to the consumption of raw, unpasteurized cheddar cheese. Genetic sequencing indicated a common source of contamination, raising concerns about failures in food safety controls.

This incident highlights the risks associated with inadequate food safety practices, particularly for high-risk products like raw dairy. Harmful pathogens such as E. coli can be present without visible signs, making routine, science-based testing critical for identifying hazards before products reach consumers.

LA Testing, California’s premier food testing laboratory, emphasizes that outbreaks like this are often preventable through comprehensive microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and hazard analysis programs. Routine screening for pathogens, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), along with validated sanitation and supply chain controls, can detect contamination risks early in production.

“Food safety must be proactive, not reactive,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Rigorous testing protocols help protect public health while preserving brand trust and business continuity. Beyond the immediate health impacts, outbreaks like this can significantly damage a food producer’s reputation. Recalls, regulatory actions, and negative media coverage can quickly erode consumer confidence and result in lasting financial losses.”

LA Testing offers a full range of laboratory services to help food producers reduce risk. By investing in preventive testing strategies, companies can better protect consumers and safeguard their brand in an increasingly vigilant marketplace.

For more information about food safety and other microbial testing services, visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.