A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people across nine states, leading to eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome. More than half of the victims are children aged five or younger. In response to the FDA and CDC investigation, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company voluntarily recalled all four varieties of its Graziers raw milk cheeses on September 24, 2026, as investigators work to isolate the source of contamination.
Scope of the outbreak
- ▪A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people across nine U.S. states, with illness onset dates ranging from July 7 to August 26, 2026.
- ▪The E. coli outbreak has affected California and Nevada with three cases each, while Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah have each reported one case.
Severity and demographics of illnesses
- ▪Eight of the 13 people sickened in the E. coli outbreak have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported as of September 25, 2026.
- ▪More than half of the 13 E. coli cases in the outbreak occurred in children aged 5 years or younger, with patient ages ranging from 1 to 58 years old.
- ▪Three individuals infected in the E. coli outbreak developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can cause life-threatening kidney failure.
Recall of Graziers raw milk cheeses
- ▪The Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recall covers Graziers raw milk medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack sold in 8-ounce or 16-ounce retail packages and 5-pound wholesale loaves.
- ▪On September 24, 2026, after FDA notification, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses because investigators have not identified a specific lot or date code, though illnesses were associated with its medium cheddar.
Patient reports and medical advice
- ▪The FDA advised anyone who ate the recalled cheese and developed symptoms of an E. coli infection to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
- ▪All nine patients interviewed by state and local health officials reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese in the week before their illness began.
Risks of raw milk
- ▪In 2026, an infant died from a Listeria infection after being exposed to unpasteurized milk consumed by the mother during pregnancy.
- ▪The CDC warns that unpasteurized raw dairy products carry a higher risk of pathogens like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which are especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and pregnant women.
Debatable claims
- ▪The federal government should ban all retail sales of raw dairy products
- ▪The health risks of raw milk outweigh its nutritional benefits
- ▪Public promotion of raw milk by political figures is a public health hazard
- ▪Feeding raw dairy products to young children is irresponsible
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