Sep 3, 2026 - Foods
STEC/EHEC in raw milk cheese: Microbiological safety in focus
An actual case from Italy shows the serious consequences that contamination of raw milk products with Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can have. A boy fell severely ill at the age of four after consuming a raw milk cheese contaminated with STEC. After years of health consequences, he died in the summer of 2026 at the age of 13.
The case highlights the particular importance of consistent food safety in the production of raw milk cheese.
Why are STEC/EHEC so relevant?
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli are referred to as STEC or VTEC. Certain strains can cause severe illness in humans and are then also called enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
The illness can range from diarrhea and abdominal cramps to severe complications. Particularly vulnerable groups include young children. One possible consequence is the hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS), which can especially damage the kidneys.
Because even small numbers of pathogens can be sufficient to cause an infection, prevention and early detection of contamination are of particular importance.
Raw milk cheese in focus
In the production of raw milk cheese, the milk used is not pasteurized. Pathogens already present in the raw milk are therefore not reliably killed by this processing step.
For producers, effective operational hygiene, control of the raw materials used, and risk-oriented microbiological testing are therefore important components of the food safety concept.
In addition to STEC, other microbiological parameters may be relevant depending on the product, manufacturing process, and risk assessment.
Safety through targeted analysis
At the BAV Institut we regularly perform microbiological tests of foods for Escherichia coli as well as STEC/VTEC/EHEC. Rapid methods and follow-up testing options are also available to you.
We provide fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on the selection of appropriate test parameters and on any matters concerning microbiological product safety.
If you have any questions, our customer advisors will be happy to assist you.
Further information
- What are STEC, VTEC and EHEC? An overview and their significance in foods
- What is the significance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in foods?
- What is the significance of EHEC/STEC/VTEC in foods?
Sources:
- RAI Südtirol / Tagesschau: Report on the EHEC case in Italy
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Information on STEC/EHEC infections from food