Raw Milk Cheese Recalled After E. Coli Outbreak
The recall affects all Graziers raw milk products after 13 people reported E. coli infections across nine states.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Organic Food
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Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has initiated a voluntary recall of all Graziers raw milk cheese products, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack. The recall follows an investigation into an E. coli outbreak that sickened 13 people in nine states.
Why it matters
This recall was prompted by an outbreak that led to eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition affecting the kidneys. Because investigators have not yet identified a specific lot or date code, the entire product line has been pulled from circulation.
Official surveillance reports 13 confirmed E. coli infections across nine states, with 62% of patients requiring hospitalization and three developing hemolytic uremic syndrome. The scope of the outbreak remains under active federal investigation.
The players
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company
A food manufacturer currently undergoing a voluntary recall of its Graziers raw milk cheese line.
FDA
The federal agency responsible for regulating food safety and overseeing the investigation of the E. coli outbreak.
The details
E. coli bacteria can contaminate raw milk products during the production process, and because raw milk is not pasteurized, these pathogens are not eliminated. The recall covers all retail sizes of 8-oz and 16-oz blocks as well as 5-pound wholesale loaves of Graziers raw milk cheese. Consumers are advised to sanitize any surfaces, refrigerators, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled items to prevent cross-contamination.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The FDA contacted the company and the recall was initiated.
September 25, 2026: The FDA released an update on the ongoing investigation.
Health Landscape
The broad recall of all Graziers raw milk cheese follows a pattern established by the 2018 Cyclospora outbreak linked to McDonald's salads where widespread product removal occurred before a specific source was pinpointed. This case highlights the heightened risks associated with raw dairy products compared to pasteurized alternatives.
If you have purchased Graziers raw milk cheese, do not consume it and sanitize any surfaces it touched. If you develop symptoms of an E. coli infection, such as severe stomach cramps or diarrhea, consult your doctor and mention your recent food intake.
The takeaway
This outbreak underscores the potential health complications associated with consuming raw dairy products, including the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Always check your refrigerator for recalled products and discuss any concerns about foodborne illness symptoms with your physician.
Further reading
For more on the risks associated with raw dairy, visit Organic Food.
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Do you trust the safety of raw milk dairy products sold in grocery stores?
