An E. coli outbreak linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheese has sickened 13 people in nine states; eight were hospitalized and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, CDC and FDA said. The company agreed to recall all Graziers raw cheeses.
The recall covers Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw-milk medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack. Retail products came in 8- or 16-ounce packages; five-pound loaves went to food-service customers and wholesalers. Listed retail UPCs are Monterey Jack 6-87652-16400-9; Jalapeño Jack 6-87652-16403-0; Medium Cheddar, 16 oz 6-87652-16501-3 and 8 oz 6-87652-16506-8; and Sharp Cheddar 6-87652-16507-5.
More than half of those sick are 5 or younger. Cases have been reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah; the last illness onset was Aug. 26. The FDA says not to eat the recalled cheese; consumers can return it to the place of purchase for a refund and should clean and sanitize surfaces or containers it touched. Anyone who ate it and has E. coli symptoms should contact a medical provider immediately.
