Sierra Nevada Cheese Recalled Nationwide After E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 13
A major cheese recall is underway across the United States after federal health officials linked raw milk cheese to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of California voluntarily recalled all Graziers brand raw milk cheese on September 24th after the FDA contacted the company about the multistate outbreak. As of late September, thirteen people in nine states have become sick, with eight hospitalized and three developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication. The recalled products include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack varieties sold in eight and sixteen ounce packages, as well as larger wholesale quantities. All nine people interviewed by public health officials reported eating the recalled cheese before falling ill. Because the cheese has a long shelf life, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers. The FDA and CDC are investigating to determine the contamination source and whether additional products are affected. Consumers should either discard the product or return it to retailers for a refund.
Key facts
- 13 people sickened across 9 states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah
- 8 people hospitalized; 3 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication
- 4 cheese varieties recalled: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company voluntarily initiated recall on September 24, 2026
- All 9 people interviewed reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese before illness
- Strain identified: E. coli O26:H11, a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium
- Products sold nationwide in retail stores, online, and to food service businesses
- FDA investigation ongoing to determine contamination source and identify affected lots
Limits of this briefing
This is an active investigation with limited political or ideological disagreement visible in mainstream coverage. However, the broader policy debate about raw milk cheese regulation—including questions about the adequacy of the 60-day aging rule and warning label requirements—reflects emerging tension between public health advocates pushing stricter rules and artisanal dairy producers concerned about regulatory burden. Those perspectives are not prominently featured in current outbreak coverage.
Sources
- NBC TODAY: Cheese Recalled Nationwide Amid E. Coli Outbreak Centre
- U.S. News & World Report: Raw Milk Cheese Recalled Nationwide After E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 13 Centre
- ABC News: E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese brand: CDC, FDA Centre
- Fox News: Raw milk cheese recalled following multi-state E.coli outbreak: FDA Right
- FDA Official: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Centre