Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalls all Graziers raw milk cheeses over possible E. coli O26:H11 contamination

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, announced a voluntary recall of its Graziers Raw Milk Cheese line, which includes Monterey Jack, Jalapeno Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar. The recall covers all products currently on the market because of a potential contamination with Shiga toxin‑producing Escherichia coli O26:H11.

E. coli O26:H11 can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, especially in young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms may include acute diarrhoea, sometimes with bloody stools, and in a subset of cases the infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and death.

The company has not identified a specific source for the contamination, and the FDA has been notified. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled cheeses and to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.