E. coli outbreak linked to recalled Graziers raw milk cheese sickens 13 in nine states

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26 infections linked to Graziers raw milk cheeses produced by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. The CDC posted the investigation notice on September 25, 2026.

Who got sick

As of September 25, the CDC reported 13 people infected with the outbreak strain in nine states. Eight people were hospitalized, which is 62% of the 13 people with information available. Three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication. No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses began on dates ranging from July 7, 2026, to August 26, 2026. Sick people range in age from 1 to 58 years, with a median age of 5. According to the CDC, "over half of the sick people in this outbreak are children 5 years old and younger."

The CDC says the outbreak is likely larger than the reported count: "The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses." The CDC explains that many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli, and that it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

How investigators linked the cheese

Investigators interviewed sick people about the foods they ate before getting sick. According to the CDC, all 9 people interviewed reported eating the implicated cheese. The CDC said this is significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating unpasteurized (raw) milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey.

Four varieties of Graziers raw milk cheeses have been recalled. The CDC noted that the products "have a long shelf life," meaning some may still be in people's homes.

What the CDC advises

The CDC advises: "Do not eat recalled Graziers raw milk cheeses produced by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company." It also says: "Check your refrigerators or freezers for any of the recalled products and if you have any, throw them out or return them."

The investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

E. coli O26 infections can lead to hospitalization and serious complications, as this outbreak shows: 8 of 13 sick people were hospitalized and three developed HUS. More than half of those sickened are children 5 or younger, and the long shelf life of the recalled cheeses means the products could still be in household refrigerators.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.