Full Breakdown
Raw Milk Cheese Recall After Multistate E. coli Outbreak
By Drooid · · How we work
Recall Issued Over Contaminated Cheese
The Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, LCC voluntarily recalled several varieties of its grass-fed raw milk cheese—medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack—in 8-oz and 16-oz packages. The recall follows an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that linked the products to an outbreak of *Escherichia coli* O26:H11 infections.
Outbreak Details and Affected States
Public-health officials have identified 13 confirmed illnesses, eight of which required hospitalization. Interviews with nine patients revealed recent consumption of the recalled cheese within the preceding week. Cases have been reported in California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. The most recent onset of symptoms was reported in late August.
Official Response and Consumer Guidance
The FDA’s release emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and advised consumers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheeses. The agency noted the product’s long shelf life and instructed anyone with the cheese—whether still in original packaging or not—to discard it. The FDA also recommended sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have contacted the cheese. The Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is cooperating with the FDA and is offering refunds to purchasers.
Implications and Next Steps
Health officials continue to assess whether additional products are affected and to determine the source of the contamination. Consumers are urged to monitor updates from the FDA and local health departments for any further advisories. The recall underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of raw milk dairy products and may influence future regulatory scrutiny of such foods.