FDA and CDC probe 13 E. coli illnesses in nine states possibly linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheese. Eight were hospitalized; three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths were reported. Sierra Nevada recalled all its Graziers raw-milk cheeses.
Cases were reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah. The FDA said all nine ill people it interviewed reported eating the cheese. The company said reported illnesses were associated with its medium cheddar, but it recalled all Graziers raw-milk cheeses as a precaution because investigators had not identified a specific lot or date code. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a potentially serious complication of E. coli infection.
The recall covers medium and sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack in 8- and 16-ounce packages and 5-pound food-service loaves. The FDA advises consumers not to eat or serve the cheese, to discard it or return it for a refund, and to clean and sanitize surfaces or containers it touched; retailers should remove it from sale. The agency is investigating the contamination source and whether other products may be affected.
