Thirteen people across nine states have been sickened in a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese. Federal health officials report eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, prompting a nationwide voluntary recall of four cheese varieties.
A growing foodborne illness outbreak has prompted federal regulators to issue a safety warning and coordinate a voluntary product recall across the country. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections connected to unpasteurized cheese produced in Northern California.
Thirteen infections have been confirmed across nine states, with patients ranging in age from 1 to 58. Young children have borne the brunt of the contamination, as the median patient age is just 5 years old and more than half of those sickened are 5 or younger. Severe illness has sent eight individuals to the hospital, while three patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous kidney complication associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains.
Recalled Sierra Nevada Graziers Products and Nationwide Distribution
The voluntary recall covers four varieties of grass-fed raw milk cheese manufactured by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company in Willows, California.
The recalled items include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack. Retail packages were sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce sizes, while food-service customers and wholesalers received the dairy products in 5-pound loaves. Although reported illnesses have been specifically associated with the medium cheddar variety, investigators have not yet narrowed down the contamination to a specific lot or date code. Out of an abundance of caution, the company agreed to pull all Graziers raw milk cheese currently on the market.
Geographic Spread and Public Health Guidance
Infections span nine states, with California and Nevada reporting three cases each. Individual cases have also been confirmed in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah. Local health agencies have amplified federal warnings, including in San Diego County, where two children under 5 fell ill.
Because raw milk cheese possesses an extended shelf life, health officials warn that packages purchased weeks ago may still reside in consumer refrigerators or freezers. The FDA advises consumers and retailers to check their homes immediately and discard any affected products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
“Raw milk products like unpasteurized cheese can carry dangerous bacteria, including Shiga toxin- producing E.coli. These infections can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.”
County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County
Sanitation is also critical for anyone who handled the cheese. Regulators recommend washing all surfaces, containers, and utensils that touched the food using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to prevent cross-contamination. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms—such as a fever exceeding 102°F, persistent vomiting preventing liquid retention, or signs of dehydration—is advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
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