Nine states, 13 sick, eight in the hospital — and every patient interviewed ate the same raw milk cheese.
Story Snapshot
- Federal agencies linked an E. coli outbreak to Graziers raw milk cheeses.
- Thirteen illnesses and eight hospitalizations were reported across nine states.
- All interviewed patients said they ate Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese.
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled multiple Graziers raw milk cheeses.
What officials say happened and where the risk stands
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections tied to Graziers raw milk cheeses sold by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company.
The strain is E. coli O26:H11, a Shiga toxin–producing type that can cause severe illness. Officials reported 13 illnesses in nine states and eight hospitalizations. The CDC says more than half of the sick people are children five and younger.
Investigators point to a strong exposure pattern. Of the nine people interviewed, all nine reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese. That hit rate is rare in outbreak work and suggests a clear link.
FDA and CDC named the affected products: Graziers medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack. These were sold in eight-ounce and sixteen-ounce packages and in five-pound loaves.
What the company did and what consumers should do now
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company began a voluntary recall on September 25, 2026, covering all listed Graziers raw milk cheeses out of caution. The company said illnesses had been associated with its medium cheddar and moved to pull all Graziers raw milk cheese products while the investigation continued.
Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheese. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Clean the fridge shelf, cutting boards, and knives that touched the cheese.
Doctors warn that E. coli O26 can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a form of kidney failure. The CDC reported several such cases in this outbreak. Young children face the highest risk.
Anyone with severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that turns bloody, or vomiting after eating raw milk cheese should seek care right away. Do not use antibiotics unless a doctor instructs it, since some drugs can raise the risk of complications with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli.
E. coli outbreak tied to raw milk cheese hits California with multiple cases https://t.co/fYCNmpU7ZO pic.twitter.com/vmHHpk7QO5
— New York Post (@nypost) September 26, 2026
Why raw milk cheese keeps showing up in outbreak files
This event fits a known pattern. Raw milk and raw milk cheeses skip pasteurization, so any bacteria in the milk can make it into the final food. CDC outbreak pages show several cheese-linked outbreaks in recent years, including the Raw Farm episode in 2024–2026 and the current Graziers investigation.
A CDC-cited study found that unpasteurized dairy accounts for a small share of dairy intake but a very large share of dairy-related outbreaks.
Public health agencies move fast once they see a tight exposure link and a severe illness pattern. The expected benefit is simple: warn early, prevent more hospitalizations, and limit harm to kids. Some producers argue their methods and herd health reduce risk.
In this case, if a food carries higher risk for children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems, clear labels, prompt recalls, and straight talk save lives.
How to read the signals and shop smarter
Brand matters, but process matters more. Pasteurization kills dangerous germs without meaningfully changing nutrition. If you want the grass-fed story or artisanal flavor, you can still choose aged, pasteurized cheeses made with high standards.
If you choose raw milk cheese, check the aging and the producer’s safety record. Keep it cold, avoid cross-contamination, and do not serve it to young kids or anyone with a weak immune system.
Sources:
nypost.com, cdc.gov, fda.gov, abcnews.com, consumerreports.org
