Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 27, 2026
At least three people have experienced a deadly kidney complication associated with and E. coli outbreak linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreak.
Here’s what we know so far about the Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese E. coli outbreak so far!
At least 13 people have become sick with the same strain of E. coli O26:H11. Of which, eight have been hospitalized. Three with a deadly kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome which is often associated with Shiga toxin-producing bacterial infections. No deaths have been associated with this outbreak to date.
Sick people have been reported in the states of California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah. Most cases have been centered around California and Nevada. The last date of illness onset was reported on August 26, 2026. However, it can take around six weeks for a sick person’s sample to be linked to an ongoing outbreak.
Of the nine people (or their caregivers) interviewed about the foods they ate leading up to becoming sick, all nine reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese.
The FDA contacted Sierra Nevada Graziers on September 24, 2026 to notify the firm of the outbreak and recommended they initiate a voluntary recall. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, LLC is currently working with the FDA and agreed to do so.
In response to this E. coli outbreak, Sierra Nevada Graziers is issuing a recall for four varieties of their grass-fed raw milk cheeses.
Affected products include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack. These products were available for purchase at retail in 8 ounce and 16 ounce packages as well as food service customers or wholesalers in five pound loaves.
“Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled cheeses.”
Restaurants, retailers, and food service customers may have received bulk products and repackaged it for individual sale. Retailers that received recalled product and repackaged it should not sell it and have a responsibility to remove the product from the market and notify customers of this recall.
Cheese is a tricky product when it comes to recalls. They have a long shelf life and can be frozen. Which means they can remain in refrigerators and freezers for a long time. If you have refrigerated or froze cheese without the original package and are unable to determine if it is part of the recall, it is best to throw it away.
Shiga toxin-producing infections, like E. coli, can develop into serious, life-threatening complications.
E. coli is dangerous, not because of the common not because of the common symptoms associated with the illness. But the complications arising from the infection and/or the toxins it produces. These infections can vary from mild to severe with some people not needing medical care at all. Others, on the other hand, could experience life-threatening illness.
Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Some people, on the other hand, may experience other complications. These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illnesses or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli in this outbreak.
HUS develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. Which can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include:
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
If you have purchased Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese and have recalled product in your home, there are a few things to consider. Such as whether you have opened the package, consumed it, or are experiencing symptoms.
Here’s what to do in these scenarios.
If you have unopened recalled product in your home, do not consume it. Follow recall instructions, which often involve returning the recalled item to the place of purchase. Carefully clean anything that has come into contact with the recalled product. Wash your hands afterward.
If you have opened recalled products and have consumed them, it is a good idea to monitor yourself for symptoms. Package remaining products and clearly label it so that no one in the household will consume them. Retaining product packaging can assist in the traceback investigation, should you become sick. Carefully clean anything that has come into contact with the recalled product. Wash your hands afterward.
If you have consumed recalled products and are experiencing symptoms, it is a good idea to see your health care provider. Especially if your symptoms worsen or become severe. Notify them of your exposure risk to expedite important testing necessary for accurate diagnosis.
You should also stay hydrated. Gastrointestinal illness can deplete your body of important hydration. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid sugary beverages and caffeine, and replenish your electrolytes.
If you have been seriously affected by an E. coli infection from Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese, it is a good idea to get advice from an E. coli Lawyer. An experienced E. coli Lawyer can answer your questions and help you through this difficult process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for families with cases just like yours. With a specialty in contamination, products liability, and food safety cases, you can trust the E. coli and Raw Milk Lawyers of The Lange Law Firm, PLLC to navigate this complicated legal process on your behalf.
They know the questions to ask, the information to obtain, and how to build your case. Their compassionate team will help you through this unfortunate situation and get you the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)