A cheese recall involving Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk products has expanded after U.S. health officials linked the brand to a multistate E. coli O26:H11 outbreak.
The company recalled all Graziers raw milk cheese currently on the market, rather than a single lot, because investigators have not identified a specific production date, lot code or source of contamination.
The products were distributed through retailers, distributors and direct customers across the United States.
Canadian consumers who purchased the products through cross-border shopping, online sellers or U.S. supply channels should check their refrigerators and freezers before eating any of the affected cheese.
Table of Contents
What products are included in the cheese recall
The recall covers four Graziers raw milk cheese varieties sold in retail packages and larger food-service formats.
| Product | Package or item | UPC or item number |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Milk Monterey Jack | 8-ounce square | 6-87652-16400-9 |
| Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack | 8-ounce square | 6-87652-16403-0 |
| Raw Milk Medium Cheddar | 8-ounce square | 6-87652-16506-8 |
| Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar | 8-ounce square | 6-87652-16507-5 |
| Raw Milk Medium Cheddar | 16-ounce brick | 6-87652-16501-3 |
| Food-service cheese | 5-pound loaves and 40-pound cheddar blocks | Several item numbers |
The recall includes products sold under the Sierra Nevada Graziers brand and applies even when a package does not have a matching lot or date code.
Outbreak has sickened 13 people
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 13 people in nine states had been identified in the outbreak as of September 25, 2026.
Eight people were hospitalized, three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and no deaths had been reported.
The affected states were California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.
More than half of the people who became ill were children aged five or younger, a group that can face a higher risk of serious complications from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections.
Health investigators reported that all nine patients interviewed about the foods they ate before becoming ill had consumed Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese.
Laboratory testing also found closely related bacterial fingerprints in patient samples, supporting the investigation’s focus on a common food source.
What consumers should do
Consumers should not eat, serve or sell any recalled Graziers raw milk cheese.
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it.
- Check refrigerators and freezers because the cheese has a relatively long shelf life.
- Discard cheese that has been removed from its original packaging if its identity cannot be confirmed.
- Wash and sanitize containers, utensils, shelves and other surfaces that touched the recalled products.
- Restaurants and food-service operators should stop using the affected cheese and remove it from sale.
The FDA said retailers that repackaged the cheese for individual sale should also remove it from the market.
Symptoms to watch for
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever, with diarrhea sometimes becoming bloody.
Some patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication that can damage the kidneys.
Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.
People who ate the recalled cheese should contact a health-care provider promptly if they develop bloody diarrhea, a fever above 102 F, diarrhea lasting more than two days, repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration.
Investigation remains ongoing
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company stopped production and shipments of all Graziers raw milk cheese after the FDA contacted the company on September 24, 2026.
The company announced the voluntary recall on September 28, and the FDA published the recall notice on September 29.
Investigators are continuing to determine how the contamination occurred and whether other products could be affected.
There is no indication in the U.S. notices that the recall applies to unrelated Canadian cheese brands or products, but consumers should rely on current Canadian food recall warnings and Canadian Food Inspection Agency notices for any separate Canadian recalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cheese is included in the recall?
The recall includes Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar in retail and food-service formats.
Why was the cheese recalled?
The products may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26:H11 and have been linked to a multistate outbreak.
How many people have become sick?
As of September 25, 2026, 13 illnesses had been identified in nine U.S. states, including eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
What should I do if I have the recalled cheese?
Do not eat or serve it. Return it for a refund or dispose of it, then clean and sanitize surfaces that touched the cheese.
Can people in Canada be affected?
The U.S. notices describe nationwide U.S. distribution, but Canadians who obtained the products through cross-border or online purchases should check their refrigerators and follow the recall instructions.
Fact-Checked: Key product, outbreak and recall details were checked against FDA and CDC notices published or updated between September 25 and September 29, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general food-safety information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional.