Cheese Recalled Nationwide Amid E. Coli Outbreak

Cheese made with raw milk is being recalled across the country after public health officials linked it to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company initiated a voluntary recall of all of the company’s Graziers Raw Milk Cheese, which includes medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack cheeses, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The recall came amid a public health investigation into an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 13 people across nine states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain. That includes eight people who were hospitalized and three more who were hospitalized due to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication from an E. coli infection. “Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market,” the company said in a statement on Facebook. “This action is being taken due to reported illnesses associated with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. At this time, the investigation has not been narrowed down to a specific lot or date code,” the statement continues. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are expanding the recall to include all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese.” Here’s what to know about the recalled raw milk cheese and the E. coli outbreak. Which Cheeses Are Recalled? The recall, initiated on Sept. 25, 2026, affects all Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese on the market right now. That includes four types of the brand’s cheese: Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, 16 oz, UPC: 6-87652-16501-3Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, 12/8 oz, UPC: 6-87652-16506-8Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar, 12/8 oz, UPC: 6-87652-16507-5Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack, 12/8 oz, UPC: 6-87652-16403-0Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack, 12/8 oz, UPC: 6-87652-16400-9 The recall also affects 5-lb loaves sold to wholesalers and food service customers: 6425: Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack, 2/5 lb6426: Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack, 2/5 lb6510: Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, 2/5lb6511: Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar, 2/5 lb Where Was the Recalled Cheese Sold? The recalled cheese was sold at retailers nationwide and online, the FDA says, but the agency does not mention specific stores. Recalled Graziers raw milk cheese was also available to wholesalers and food service customers. Why Is the Cheese Being Recalled? The raw milk cheese from Sierra Nevada Graziers has been recalled after public health officials linked it to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. Illnesses related to the outbreak began between July 7, 2026, and Aug. 26, 2026, the CDC explains. As of Sept. 25, 2026, the CDC has counted 13 illnesses, eight of which hospitalized people. Of those sickened in the outbreak, more than half are age 5 or younger. Cases have been detected in nine states, with most cases in California and Nevada. Officials interviewed nine people in the outbreak, and all of them reported eating the raw milk cheese before getting sick. Raw milk is milk that has not been through the pasteurization process that kills bacteria. Raw milk and raw milk dairy products have been linked to numerous foodborne illness outbreaks in the past. The actual number of people sickened in the outbreak is likely higher than this, the CDC notes, because many people recover without medical attention. And it can take three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is truly associated with a larger outbreak like this. E. Coli Infection Symptoms Symptoms of an E. coli infection typically begin within three to four days after eating tainted food, the Mayo Clinic says, but may take up to nine days, the FDA notes. The most common symptoms of an E. coli infection include: Loose stools, which may be mild or serious, and watery or bloodyStomach cramps, tenderness or painUpset stomach and vomiting Low fever For otherwise healthy people, an E. coli infection is unpleasant but not serious and does not require special medical treatment. However, sometimes E. coli infections can cause severe symptoms or complications, including serious dehydration that requires hospitalization to treat. An E. coli infection may also lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of life-threatening kidney failure. Young children and older adults are more likely to get E. coli infections, the Mayo Clinic says, and they’re more likely to have severe complications if they do get sick. In the current outbreak, more than half of the cases are in kids age 5 or younger, and three people have been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome. What to Do if You Purchased Recalled Cheese If you purchased any of the recalled raw milk cheese, you should not eat it, the FDA urges. Because the cheese has a long shelf life, it’s important to check your fridge for any recalled product that may be there. “Consumers should not consume any Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in their refrigerator and should dispose of the product,” the company said in the statement. “We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our customers and community,” the statement continues, “and we appreciate your understanding as we take this precautionary step.”