Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market because due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26:H11 (E. coli O26:H11).

E. coli O26:H11 is a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. E. coli O26:H11 can cause acute diarrheal illness (often with bloody stools) within a few days of ingestion of the bacteria. Most people recover within a week. However, a subset of infected individuals (especially children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals) may develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe illness characterized by hemolytic anemia (red cell breakdown), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and renal failure. HUS can lead to death.

At this time, the investigation has not been narrowed to a specific lot, date code, or production date. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all the Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products listed below currently in distribution. The recalled products were distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers, and direct customers.

The recall includes the following Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products:

FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 with 13 illnesses identified to date. According to information provided during the investigation, illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. The investigation remains ongoing. A specific lot, production date, or source of contamination has not been identified at this time.