Cheese recalled after 13 illnesses linked to suspected multi-state E. coli outbreak, FDA says

A company is now halting production and recalling all of its raw milk cheese products that officials believe are linked to a multi-state E. coli outbreak.

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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, voluntarily recalled its Graziers raw milk products on Sept. 29.

Officials said 13 illnesses have been linked to the products, believed to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26:H11.

The FDA said the E. coli O26:H11 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,  the FDA said.  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. 

The recalled Graziers raw milk cheese products have not been linked to a specific lot, date code, or production date.

All lots of the Sierra Nevada Graziers Grass-Fed Raw Medium Cheddar, Raw Sharp Cheddar, Raw Monterey Jack, and Raw Jalapeño Jack have been recalled.

The company said the voluntary recall began after the FDA contacted them regarding reported illnesses linked to the products.

States linked to reported illnesses include California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has since issued notices on its website and social media and is cooperating with the FDA and the CDC.

Consumers who purchased the recalled products should not consume or serve them, and should return the products to the place of purchase for a refund, or dispose of it.

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