Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has voluntarily recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese nationwide after an outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 was linked to the products. As of Sept. 25, investigators reported 13 illnesses in nine states; eight people were hospitalized and three developed HUS, with no deaths reported. Four varieties and multiple package sizes are included; consumers should return or discard affected cheese and thoroughly sanitize surfaces. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating the cheese should seek medical care.
Nationwide Recall: Sierra Nevada Recalls All Graziers Raw Milk Cheese After E. coli O26:H11 Outbreak
PxHere (CC0 Public Domain)
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, has voluntarily recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market after public health officials linked the products to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11.
Recall Details
The company announced the recall on September 28, 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the products were distributed nationwide through retailers, distributors and direct customers. Because investigators have not identified a single lot, date code or production run tied to the outbreak, the company recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese in distribution.
Varieties and Package Types
- Varieties included: Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar.
- Package types: 8-ounce squares, 16-ounce Medium Cheddar bricks, 5-pound loaves and 40-pound Cheddar blocks sold to wholesale customers.
Outbreak And Health Risk
As of September 25, 2026, investigators identified 13 illnesses across nine states. Eight people were hospitalized and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure; no deaths have been reported. Of those cases, nine people were interviewed and all reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese. Investigators have epidemiologically associated illnesses with the company's Medium Cheddar, but the precise source of contamination remains under investigation.
E. coli O26:H11 is a Shiga toxin–producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea and vomiting. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk for severe illness, including HUS.
A selection of cheeses shown on the FDA recall notice. Credit: FDA
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA advises consumers not to eat or serve any Graziers Raw Milk Cheese that might be part of the recall. Options include returning the product to the place of purchase for a refund or discarding it.
If the cheese has been removed from its original packaging and you cannot determine whether it is included in the recall, you should discard it. Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils or containers that contacted the cheese to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
If you or a family member ate the recalled cheese and develop symptoms of an E. coli infection, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Contact
Consumers with questions may contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at 530-934-8662 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday–Friday) or by email at [email protected]. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the outbreak.
Help us improve.
