September 28, 2026
2 min read
Key takeaways:
- As of Sept. 25, there have been 13 cases and eight hospitalizations in nine states.
- More than half of the reported cases are in children aged 5 years or younger.
The CDC and FDA are investigating a multistate Escherichia coli outbreak linked to recalled raw milk cheeses.
The ongoing outbreak has sickened 13 people in nine states — California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.
Data derived from CDC.
Eight people have been hospitalized, three of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection that can lead to various health conditions or even death, according to the CDC.
More than half the cases reported so far have been children aged 5 years or younger, the CDC and FDA noted.
According to the FDA, nine people interviewed during the investigation reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese, leading to an immediate nationwide recall of several products on Sept. 24. Recalled products include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack raw milk cheeses sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages, and 5-pound wholesale food-service loaves.
In a statement shared on Sierra Nevada’s social media accounts, the company said the reported illnesses have been associated specifically with its medium cheddar product but that it is voluntarily recalling all Graziers raw milk cheeses currently on the market as the investigation has not narrowed down a specific lot or date code.
“We appreciate your understanding as we take this precautionary step,” the statement read.
While investigators continue efforts to determine the source of the contamination, the FDA suggests consumers throw away all recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The agency said it will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
The CDC has warned that consuming products made with raw milk can lead to illnesses caused by pathogens including E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella which can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults and pregnant women.
This year, the CDC has reported several instances of illnesses associated with raw milk products, including an E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese from Raw Farm and a case of Listeria that resulted in the death of an infant who was exposed to unpasteurized milk drank by its mother during pregnancy.
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