Sierra Nevada Cheese Company in Willows, California, has voluntarily recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently in distribution in the US. This recall is due to potential contamination with E. coli O26:H11, a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli that can cause serious illness. The recalled products were distributed across the US through various channels, including distributors, retailers, and direct customers.
The recall was initiated after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contacted Sierra Nevada Cheese Company regarding an ongoing multistate outbreak investigation of E. coli O26:H11. The investigation has not identified a specific lot, date code, or production date linked to the potential contamination. As a precaution, the company has recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently in distribution.
According to information provided during the investigation, 13 illnesses have been identified to date, with some epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. The investigation remains ongoing, and a specific lot, production date, or source of contamination has not been identified. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to investigate the outbreak.
E. coli O26:H11 can cause serious illness, with symptoms including acute diarrhea, which may involve bloody stools, within a few days of consuming the bacteria. Most people recover within a week, but some infected individuals can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney failure. Young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products should not consume or serve them. Instead, they should return the products to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products and notified customers who had purchased the affected products directly from the company.
The company is cooperating with the FDA and CDC as the investigation continues. Notices have been issued through the company's website and social media channels. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and is taking proactive steps to address the potential contamination.
The recall of Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products highlights the importance of food safety and the need for companies to take proactive measures to prevent contamination. Consumers can take steps to protect themselves by checking for recall notices and following proper food handling and storage procedures. The FDA and CDC will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
Key points
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalls all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products in the US due to potential E. coli O26:H11 contamination.
- 13 illnesses have been identified to date, with some linked to consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.
- Consumers should not consume recalled products and should return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them.
