Nationwide recall: Graziers raw milk cheeses linked to E.coli outbreak

The FDA announced that Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently on the market due to a multistate E. coli outbreak.

The recall, issued September 28 and published by the FDA the following day, involves potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a Shiga toxin-producing strain.

As of September 25, 13 illnesses have been reported across nine states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.

Moreover, eight hospitalisations have been reported, with three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure.

So far, no deaths have been reported.

Since the source of contamination is not known yet due to a lack of identification of a specific lot, date code, or production dates, the recall was done for 10 different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Sharp Cheddar, in the following quantities: 8-ounce, 16-ounce, 5-pound, and 40-pound.

Infection from E. coli O26:H11 could lead to stomach cramps, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. Children, elderly people, and those with immune deficiencies are at high risk of getting sick. Recalled cheese must not be consumed in any way; it is advisable to discard it safely or return it to the retailer for a refund. UPC codes are provided on the FDA website.

The product recall comes after a number of other recent food safety recalls. Mezzetta recalled one lot of its 32-ounce Golden Greek Peperoncini (lot 720106) because of a viral TikTok video in which a dead mouse was found in a jar. Galil Importing Corp. recalled Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning (lot GAP11304) as a result of high lead content.

For more information regarding the cheese recall, you may contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company by phone at (530) 934-8662 or via email at [email protected].