Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, has recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently on the market due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 (STEC).

The company announced the recall on September 28, 2026, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the recall on September 29, 2026. The affected cheeses were distributed nationwide in the United States through distributors, retailers and direct customers.

The recall comes as the FDA and CDC investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26 involving 13 illnesses. According to information provided during the investigation, illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.

Products recalled

The recall covers several Graziers raw milk cheese varieties and package sizes:

• Raw Milk Monterey Jack – 8 oz square – UPC 6-87652-16400-9
• Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack – 8 oz square – UPC 6-87652-16403-0
• Raw Milk Medium Cheddar – 8 oz square – UPC 6-87652-16506-8
• Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar – 8 oz square – UPC 6-87652-16507-5
• Raw Milk Medium Cheddar – 16 oz brick – UPC 6-87652-16501-3
• Raw Milk Monterey Jack loaves – 5 lb loaf – Item 6425
• Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack loaves – 5 lb loaf – Item 6426
• Raw Milk Medium Cheddar – 5 lb loaf – Item 6510
• Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar – 5 lb loaf – Item 6511
• Raw Milk Cheddar block – 40 lb block – Items 6515 and 6516

No specific lot identified

The investigation has not identified a specific lot, production date or source of contamination. As a result, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently in distribution as a precaution.

The company said it stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese after being contacted by the FDA regarding the ongoing outbreak investigation. It also notified customers who purchased the products directly from the company.

Health risk from E. coli O26

E. coli O26 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms may include diarrhea, which can become bloody, and other acute gastrointestinal symptoms.

Most people recover within about a week. However, some infected individuals—particularly children under five, older adults and people with weakened immune systems—can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS can cause red blood cell destruction, low platelet levels and kidney failure, and can be life-threatening.

What consumers should do

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products should not eat or serve them.

The products should be returned to the place of purchase for a refund or discarded.

Consumers who develop symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection after consuming the recalled cheese should contact a healthcare professional.

For questions about the recall, consumers can contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or email recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com.

The FDA and CDC investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be provided as authorities work to identify the source of contamination.