Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, has voluntarily recalled all Graziers brand raw milk cheese currently on the market after the FDA and CDC linked the product to an active multistate E. coli O26:H11 outbreak. The recall was announced September 28, 2026. Thirteen illnesses have been confirmed to date, with cases epidemiologically associated with Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. No specific lot code or production date has been identified — the entire product line is recalled out of an abundance of caution. The company has stopped all production and shipment. The recalled cheeses were distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers, and direct customers.
What’s Being Recalled?
All Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products are included across ten SKUs and four varieties:
Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack — 8 oz (UPC 6-87652-16400-9) and 5 lb loaf (Item 6425)
Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeno Jack — 8 oz (UPC 6-87652-16403-0) and 5 lb loaf (Item 6426)
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar — 8 oz (UPC 6-87652-16506-8), 16 oz brick (UPC 6-87652-16501-3), 5 lb loaf (Item 6510), and 40 lb block (Items 6515/6516)
Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar — 8 oz (UPC 6-87652-16507-5) and 5 lb loaf (Item 6511)
Because no specific lot code has been identified, all Graziers raw milk cheese regardless of size, lot, or production date is recalled.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The FDA and CDC are investigating an active multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11, a Shiga toxin-producing strain, with 13 confirmed illnesses epidemiologically linked to Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. E. coli O26:H11 can cause acute diarrheal illness including bloody stools, typically within days of ingestion. Most people recover within a week. However, a subset of infected individuals — especially children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised people — can develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney condition that can cause permanent damage or death.
What Should You Do?
Do not eat any Graziers raw milk cheese from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, regardless of variety, size, or date. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it safely. Contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at 530-934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or email recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com. If you have eaten Graziers raw milk cheese recently and develop bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or vomiting, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
