CDC Confirms 13 E. Coli Cases Linked to Sierra Nevada Raw Cheese
The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to raw milk cheeses from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. Thirteen people in nine states have been sickened, with eight hospitalized, including three with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The recall covers four varieties of Graziers cheese sold nationwide. Consumers are urged to discard any affected products, particularly those with long shelf lives, as the outbreak disproportionately affects children under five.
Key points
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling four types of Graziers raw milk cheese: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño Jack, and Monterey Jack.
- Thirteen cases have been confirmed across nine states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.
- Eight patients were hospitalized, with three developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe kidney condition; no deaths have been reported.
- Over half of the sick individuals are children aged five or younger, prompting health officials to emphasize the risks of raw dairy for young children.
- Illness onset dates range from July 7 to August 26, 2026, and the CDC notes the true number of cases may be higher due to untested recoveries.
Background
This incident follows a series of E. coli-related food recalls in 2026, including a high-risk recall of GreenWise frozen berries in August and a precautionary recall of Walmart’s Great Value berries in September. Earlier in September, San Diego County health officials issued specific warnings regarding Sierra Nevada products after two local children were sickened, contributing to the broader multistate investigation.
How outlets are covering it
While all sources agree on the core facts of the recall and case count, they differ in emphasis. CNN and KPTV focus on the consumer action required, urging the public to discard or return the cheese for a refund. The CDC and CIDRAP highlight the severity of the outbreak, specifically noting the high proportion of young children affected and the presence of HUS cases. CIDRAP also notes that the CDC believes the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported because many people recover without medical testing. The FDA emphasizes the long shelf life of the cheese, warning consumers to check refrigerators and freezers for unmarked products.
Why it matters
This outbreak underscores the persistent risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products, particularly for young children who are more susceptible to severe complications like kidney failure. The widespread distribution of the cheese across nine states highlights the national reach of raw milk products and the importance of strict recall compliance to prevent further illness.
What to watch
Health officials will continue to monitor for new cases and investigate the source of contamination. Consumers are advised to check their homes for any recalled cheese, discard it immediately, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or fever. The FDA and CDC will likely issue further updates as the investigation progresses.
- Cheese sold nationwide recalled after E. coli sickens 13 KPTV
- Nationwide cheese recall: 13 sickened in E. coli outbreak FOX 8 News
- E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)
- FDA Announces Nationwide Cheese Recall—Products Linked to Multistate E. Coli Outbreak health.com
- CDC confirms multistate outbreak of E coli linked to raw milk cheese CIDRAP
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