E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese Ends: 18 Illnesses in 10 States, 9 Hospitalizations, 3 Cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, No Deaths

The Food and Drug Administration updated its outbreak investigation page on November 13, 2026, stating that the multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese has ended. The CDC is declaring the outbreak over, and the FDA's outbreak investigation has closed.

A total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain were reported from 10 states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 7 to September 20, 2026. There were 9 hospitalizations, 3 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and no deaths.

Of the 15 ill people interviewed by state and public health officials, all 15 reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese before getting sick. An opened sample of the raw medium cheddar collected from a sick person's home by the California Department of Public Health tested positive for E. coli and matched the outbreak strain by whole genome sequencing; a sample collected in Michigan tested positive for a different strain of E. coli.

The recalled products are Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack, sold at retail in 8-ounce or 16-ounce packages and to food service customers and wholesalers in 5-pound loaves, distributed nationwide and to the Republic of Korea. The FDA contacted the firm on September 24, 2026, and the company agreed the same day to recall all Graziers raw milk cheeses.

The FDA notes that the recalled product has a long shelf life and reminds consumers to check their homes for it and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers who refrigerated or froze cheese without the original packaging and cannot tell if it is part of the recall should throw it away, and surfaces and containers the cheese touched should be carefully cleaned and sanitized.

Related: FDA Probes E. coli O26:H11 Outbreak Tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers Raw Milk Cheeses

Source: FDA

Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)

Photo: 图：被召回的 Sierra Nevada Graziers 草饲生牛奶奶酪产品。作者与授权：美国食品药品管理局（FDA）暴发调查页发布的产品图。 / Photo: The recalled Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses. Credit: product image from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration outbreak investigation page.

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