E. coli Outbreak Prompts Sierra Nevada Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Recall 2026

A cheese linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak is now being pulled from shelves across the United States. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market after possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), specifically E. coli O26:H11. The company announced the recall on September 28, 2026, and the FDA published it on September 29, 2026.

If you have Graziers raw milk cheese in your refrigerator, do not eat it and do not serve it to anyone. Check the product list below now.

Products Affected by This Recall

The recall covers every Graziers Raw Milk Cheese product in distribution. It includes Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar, sold under the Sierra Nevada Graziers brand. The recalled items are:

• 8 oz square packages: Monterey Jack (UPC 6-87652-16400-9), Jalapeño Jack (UPC 6-87652-16403-0), Medium Cheddar (UPC 6-87652-16506-8) and Sharp Cheddar (UPC 6-87652-16507-5)
• 16 oz brick: Medium Cheddar (UPC 6-87652-16501-3)
• 5 lb loaves: Monterey Jack (Item 6425), Jalapeño Jack (Item 6426), Medium Cheddar (Item 6510) and Sharp Cheddar (Item 6511)
• 40 lb blocks: Cheddar block (Items 6515 and 6516)

The larger loaves and blocks are typically sold to distributors and food service customers. Delis, restaurants and specialty retailers that received them should check their inventory as well.

What Triggered the Recall

The recall follows an outbreak investigation led by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigators have identified 13 illnesses so far in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11. According to information gathered during the investigation, the illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.

The investigation is still ongoing. No specific lot, date code, production date or source of contamination has been identified. Because of that, the company is recalling all of its Graziers Raw Milk Cheese as a precaution rather than limiting the action to certain batches.

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company began the recall after the FDA contacted it about the outbreak. The company says it immediately stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese. It also notified customers who bought directly from the company and posted notices on its website and social media.

Who Should Be Concerned

The recalled cheese was distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers and direct customers, so shoppers in any state could have it. Because the recall covers all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese, there is no lot code to check. Any product in the categories above should be treated as recalled.

Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious illness. Anyone who has eaten the cheese and feels unwell should pay attention to the symptoms described below.

The Health Risk in Plain Terms

E. coli O26:H11 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of the bacteria. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Infection usually brings on acute diarrheal illness, often with bloody stools, within a few days of ingesting the bacteria. Most healthy people recover within about a week.

A smaller group of people can develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This is a severe condition marked by the breakdown of red blood cells, a low platelet count and kidney failure. Children under 5, the elderly and immunocompromised people are most at risk. HUS can lead to death.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

• Check your refrigerator, freezer and deli drawer for any Graziers Raw Milk Cheese.
• Do not eat, cook with or serve the cheese, including as an ingredient in other dishes.
• Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund, or dispose of it.
• If you have eaten the cheese and develop symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Businesses that received 5 lb loaves or 40 lb blocks should pull them from sale and use immediately.

Consumers with questions can call Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. They can also email recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com.

From the Agency

The FDA posted the announcement as a public service and noted that it does not endorse either the product or the company. The agency has also published a separate outbreak advisory on its website with details on the E. coli O26:H11 investigation, which it continues to update as the probe develops.

The company said it is cooperating fully with the FDA and CDC while the investigation continues. Further updates, including any identification of a specific source or lot, are expected to come through the FDA outbreak advisory and the company’s own channels.