Raw Farm, a California-based dairy producer, has issued a recall of its raw milk cheddar cheese products following an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration into an E. coli outbreak.

The outbreak has sickened nine people across three states, according to health officials. The FDA has linked the cases to Raw Farm's raw milk cheddar cheese products, prompting the recall announcement.

Raw Farm has denied that its products caused the outbreak, describing the recall as being conducted "under protest." The company maintains that its products are not responsible for the illnesses reported by health authorities.

The strain of E. coli involved in the outbreak has been described by health officials as particularly severe. E. coli infections can cause serious symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, and can lead to more serious complications in some cases.

Raw milk products, which are not pasteurized, carry higher risks of bacterial contamination compared to pasteurized dairy products. The FDA and health officials regularly warn consumers about potential health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

The investigation into the outbreak remains ongoing as health officials work to determine the exact source of the contamination and prevent additional cases.