COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Read AnnouncementSummary
- Company Announcement Date:
- FDA Publish Date:
- Product Type:
- Food & Beverages
Cheese/Cheese Product
Foodborne Illness - Reason for Announcement:
-
Recall Reason Description
Potential to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
- Company Name:
- Sierra Nevada Cheese Company
- Brand Name:
-
Brand Name(s)
- Product Description:
-
Product Description
Monterey Jack, Jalapeno Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Sharp Cheddar raw milk cheeses
Company Announcement
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market because due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26:H11 (E. coli O26:H11).
E. coli O26:H11 is a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. E. coli O26:H11 can cause acute diarrheal illness (often with bloody stools) within a few days of ingestion of the bacteria. Most people recover within a week. However, a subset of infected individuals (especially children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals) may develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe illness characterized by hemolytic anemia (red cell breakdown), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and renal failure. HUS can lead to death.
At this time, the investigation has not been narrowed to a specific lot, date code, or production date. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all the Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products listed below currently in distribution. The recalled products were distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers, and direct customers.
The recall includes the following Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products:
Product |
Package |
UPC / Item |
|---|---|---|
Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack |
8oz Square |
UPC 6-87652-16400-9 |
Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack |
8oz Square |
UPC 6-87652-16403-0 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar |
8oz Square |
UPC 6-87652-16506-8 |
Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar |
8oz Square |
UPC 6-87652-16507-5 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar |
16 oz Brick |
UPC 6-87652-16501-3 |
Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack loaves |
5lb Loaf |
Item 6425 |
Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack loaves |
5lb Loaf |
Item 6426 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar |
5lb Loaf |
Item 6510 |
Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar |
5lb Loaf |
Item 6511 |
Graziers Raw Milk Cheddar block |
40lb Block |
Item 6515; 6516 |
FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 with 13 illnesses identified to date. According to information provided during the investigation, illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar. The investigation remains ongoing. A specific lot, production date, or source of contamination has not been identified at this time.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company initiated the voluntary recall after being contacted by FDA regarding the ongoing FDA/CDC outbreak investigation. The company immediately stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese, notified customers that purchased the affected products directly from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, and issued notices through its website and social media. The company is cooperating with FDA and CDC as the investigation continues.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products should not consume or serve them and should return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it. Consumers with questions may contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com.
Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory
