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The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 people in nine states, potentially linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company voluntarily recalled all of its Graziers raw milk cheeses on Sept. 24, 2026, after eight of those sickened were hospitalized and three developed a serious kidney complication.
Federal health officials are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 people in nine states, potentially linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese, prompting a voluntary recall of all of the company’s raw milk cheese products currently on the market.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are investigating the outbreak together. According to the CDC, the 13 reported illnesses include eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially serious complication of E. coli infection that presents with bloody diarrhea and fever. The FDA said no deaths have been reported.
Cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah. In an update on Sept. 25, the FDA said it interviewed nine people who became ill, and all nine reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese before getting sick.
The FDA said it contacted the company on Sept. 24 and recommended a recall, and Sierra Nevada Cheese Company agreed and initiated a recall the same day. The recalled products are grass-fed raw milk cheeses sold under the Graziers line: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack, sold at retail in 8-oz and 16-oz packages and to food service customers and wholesalers in 5-pound loaves.
Why the Recall Covers Every Lot
The scale of the recall reflects how much remains unknown. In a statement posted to social media, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company said the reported illnesses have been associated with its medium cheddar product, but that it is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market because the investigation has not narrowed down a specific lot or date code.
The hospitalization rate in this outbreak is high. Of the 13 people sickened, eight were hospitalized and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, which the CDC describes as a potentially serious complication. No deaths have been reported, according to the FDA.
The outbreak also renews attention on the risks of raw milk products. Health officials have long advised consumers to avoid raw milk products because they are not pasteurized — a process that kills bacteria and viruses.
From Interviews to a Same-Day Recall
The timeline of the investigation moved quickly. According to the FDA, interviews of nine ill people — all of whom reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese — led the agency to contact the company on Sept. 24, 2026 and recommend a recall. The company agreed and began pulling its raw milk cheeses the same day. The FDA publicly updated its advisory on Sept. 25, and the CDC provided the illness counts and state breakdown the same day.
Raw milk cheese is made from milk that has not undergone pasteurization. Federal health authorities, including the CDC, have consistently warned that unpasteurized dairy can carry harmful bacteria because it skips the heating step that kills pathogens.
“We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our customers and community, and we appreciate your understanding as we take this precautionary step.”
— Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, statement posted to social media
Source of Contamination Not Yet Known
The FDA said its investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether any other products are potentially affected. It is not yet clear which specific lot or date code of cheese is implicated, which is why the company recalled all Graziers raw milk cheese on the market.
The FDA also noted that the outbreak investigation may identify additional cases, and it has pledged to continue updating the advisory as more information becomes available. Whether the case count of 13 will grow remains unknown.
Consumer Steps and the Ongoing Probe
The FDA is advising consumers who purchased the recalled cheese to throw it away and not eat or serve it, or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The agency also recommends that anyone who purchased or received the cheese carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the cheese touched. Retailers are being told not to sell the products and to remove them from the market.
The FDA said it will continue to update its advisory as additional information becomes available. Anyone who believes they ate the recalled cheese and is experiencing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea should contact a health care provider.
Key Questions
Which cheese products have been recalled?
Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses in four varieties: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack. They were sold in 8-oz and 16-oz retail packages and in 5-pound loaves to food service and wholesale customers.
How many people have gotten sick, and where?
According to the CDC, 13 people in nine states — California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah — have been sickened, including eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome. The FDA said no deaths have been reported.
What should I do if I have the recalled cheese at home?
The FDA recommends throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund. Do not eat or serve it, and clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the cheese touched.
Why is raw milk cheese linked to E. coli risk?
Raw milk products are not pasteurized, a process that kills bacteria and viruses. Health officials have long advised avoiding raw milk products for this reason.
Has the source of the contamination been identified?
No. The FDA said its investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether other products are affected. The company recalled all of its Graziers raw milk cheese because a specific lot or date code has not been identified.
Source: fediverse
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