The FDA and CDC are investigating infections caused by E. coli O26, a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled its Graziers raw milk cheeses distributed nationwide, and federal officials continue to investigate the source of the contamination.

What Is Known About the Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Outbreak?

According to the FDA outbreak investigation, illnesses have been reported in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.

Public health officials interviewed nine people or their caregivers about what they ate before becoming sick. All nine reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese. Whole-genome sequencing also showed that bacteria collected from sick people were genetically closely related, suggesting that the illnesses originated from the same food source.

The FDA continues to investigate where and how the contamination occurred.

Which Raw Milk Cheeses Were Recalled?

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market after the FDA contacted the company about the outbreak.

The recall includes:

• Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack
• Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack
• Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar
• Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar

The products were sold nationwide through retailers, distributors, direct customers, and online. The recall covers retail packages as well as larger products supplied to food-service and wholesale customers. Investigators have not narrowed the recall to a particular lot, production date, or date code.

Because the cheese has a long shelf life, the CDC and FDA are urging consumers to check refrigerators and freezers. Anyone who has recalled cheese should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. If cheese was removed from its original packaging and cannot be identified, the FDA recommends discarding it. Surfaces and containers that came into contact with the recalled cheese should also be cleaned and sanitized.

Why E. Coli Can Be Especially Dangerous for Young Children

Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli develop severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and vomiting. Some infections become much more serious.

One of the most dangerous complications is hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. HUS can damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure. The FDA also warns that serious E. coli infections can lead to longer-term complications including chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and neurological problems.

Children younger than 5 face a higher risk of severe foodborne illness, making the age distribution in this outbreak particularly significant. More than half of the 13 reported patients are children age 5 or younger, and three people have already developed HUS.

What Should Families Do After Eating Recalled Cheese?

Anyone who ate the recalled Graziers raw milk cheese should watch for symptoms of E. coli infection. The FDA advises consumers to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they ate the recalled cheese and develop symptoms.

For families dealing with hospitalization, HUS, kidney injury, or another serious complication, documentation may also become important. Preserve the cheese packaging if it can be done safely; purchase receipts or order confirmations; photographs of the product; communications about the recall; medical records; laboratory results; and information showing when the cheese was eaten and when symptoms began.

Serious food contamination and foodborne illness claims require evidence that connects an illness to the contaminated product and identifies where the food-safety failure occurred. Manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers, and other entities in the supply chain may require investigation depending on the facts.

A recall alone does not establish that a particular product caused an individual’s illness or determine who is legally responsible. However, outbreak records, traceback evidence, product distribution information, medical testing, and symptom timing can be important when evaluating a serious food recall claim.

The FDA’s investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to determine the source of contamination and whether other products may be affected.

When Foodborne Illness Causes Serious Injury

E. coli infections that result in HUS, kidney failure, neurological complications, hospitalization, or other lasting injuries can require substantial medical care and a detailed investigation into how the contamination occurred.

If you or your child became seriously ill after eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese or another recalled food product, contact McEldrew Purtell for a free consultation. Our attorneys can evaluate the circumstances, preserve important evidence, and investigate whether a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or another party may be responsible.