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Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all Graziers raw milk cheese currently in distribution because of possible contamination with E. coli O26:H11. FDA and CDC say 13 illnesses have been identified in a multistate outbreak investigation; illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with the brand’s medium cheddar. No specific lot or contamination source has been identified.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all Graziers raw milk cheese currently in distribution because of possible contamination with E. coli O26:H11, as federal agencies investigate a multistate outbreak with 13 illnesses identified to date. FDA and CDC information links illnesses epidemiologically to consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, but officials have not identified a specific lot or source of contamination.
The recall covers Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar sold in 8-ounce squares; Medium Cheddar in a 16-ounce brick; several five-pound loaves; and 40-pound cheddar blocks. The affected items were distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers and direct customers. Because the investigation has not narrowed the risk to a lot, date code or production date, the company says it is recalling all listed Graziers raw milk cheese products currently in distribution.
The company says it began the voluntary recall after FDA contacted it about the ongoing FDA and CDC outbreak investigation. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company says it stopped production and shipment of all Graziers raw milk cheese, notified direct customers and posted notices on its website and social media. The company says it is cooperating with the agencies.
Consumers who bought any of the recalled products should not eat or serve them. The company and FDA advise returning the cheese to the place of purchase for a refund or disposing of it. Package sizes, UPCs and item numbers are listed in the company announcement; consumers can compare those identifiers with products they have at home or contact the company for help.
Nationwide Recall Covers Every Current Lot
The scope matters because buyers cannot use a lot number or production date to distinguish affected cheese from other Graziers products: no specific lot has been identified. The nationwide distribution also means consumers may encounter the products through different retailers or direct sales. People who have the listed raw milk cheeses should follow the recall instructions even if the package appears normal.
The agencies identify young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems as groups at increased risk of severe illness from E. coli O26:H11. The company announcement says symptoms can include acute diarrhea, often bloody, beginning within a few days of ingestion. Most people recover within a week, but some infections can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and may be fatal. Anyone concerned about symptoms after eating the cheese should seek medical advice.
How the Outbreak Triggered the Recall
The FDA listing identifies the notice as a company announcement posted as a public service. It says the company announced the recall on September 28, 2026, and FDA published it on September 29. FDA states that posting a company’s announcement does not mean the agency endorses the product or company.
According to the announcement, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11, a type of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, with 13 illnesses identified at the time of publication. Information provided during the investigation epidemiologically associated illnesses with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. That association is part of the ongoing investigation; the announcement does not say that every recalled cheese variety has been linked to an illness.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is based in Willows, California. It says it expanded the recall across its Graziers raw milk cheese products because investigators had not identified a specific lot, production date or contamination source. The notice lists nationwide distribution through distributors, retailers and direct customers.
““At this time, the investigation has not been narrowed to a specific lot, date code, or production date.””
— Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, in its recall announcement
Investigators Have Not Found the Source
The announcement does not identify where or when contamination may have occurred, which lots are involved, or how many of the 13 people became ill after eating the cheese. It reports an epidemiological association with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, while the investigation continues; it does not establish a contamination finding for each listed variety.
The illness count is the number identified to date in the announcement and may change as the FDA and CDC investigation proceeds. The notice does not provide a final case total, a date when investigators expect to finish, or a confirmed source of contamination.
Consumers Should Check and Remove Cheese
Consumers should check whether they have any of the listed Graziers products and avoid eating or serving them. Return the cheese to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it. People with questions can call Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or email recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com.
The company says it is cooperating with FDA and CDC. The agencies’ investigation remains ongoing, and the recall notice provides no timeline for identifying a source or narrowing the affected products. Further updates may clarify the outbreak count, the contamination source or whether additional action is needed.
Key Questions
Which Graziers cheeses are included in the recall?
The recall includes Graziers raw milk Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar in the package sizes and formats listed in the company announcement, including 8-ounce squares, a 16-ounce Medium Cheddar brick, five-pound loaves and 40-pound cheddar blocks. Check the announcement’s UPCs and item numbers to match a product.
Why did Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recall the products?
The company says the recall follows contact from FDA about an ongoing investigation into a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11. The announcement says illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.
How many illnesses have been reported?
The recall announcement says FDA and CDC had identified 13 illnesses in the multistate outbreak investigation at the time of publication. The investigation is ongoing, so that count may change.
What should I do if I have the recalled cheese?
Do not eat or serve it. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it. Contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company by phone at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com if you have questions.
Has the source of contamination been identified?
No. The company announcement says investigators have not identified a specific lot, production date or source of contamination. FDA and CDC are continuing their investigation.
Source: primary
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