Federal health officials are urging consumers nationwide to stop eating several varieties of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese after a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 sickened 13 people, eight of whom required hospitalization.
Outbreak details
The outbreak has been reported in nine states—California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah. The most recent case was reported on August 26. Three of the patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
Recall information
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, LLC voluntarily recalled all Graziers raw milk cheeses after being contacted by the FDA on September 24. The recall includes medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack sold in eight‑ounce and 16‑ounce packages, as well as five‑pound loaves distributed to food‑service customers and wholesalers.
The FDA advises anyone who purchased the recalled cheese to either discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If the cheese is no longer in its original packaging and the consumer cannot confirm whether it is part of the recall, they should also discard it.
Consumer guidance
Consumers, restaurants, retailers and food‑service businesses are urged to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled cheese to prevent cross‑contamination. The agency also reminds the public that E. coli symptoms can appear within a few days of consumption and may take up to nine days to develop. Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Anyone who ate the recalled cheese and experiences these symptoms should contact a health‑care provider promptly.
Ongoing investigation
The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health officials are continuing their investigation. Officials have interviewed nine sick individuals, all of whom reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese in the week before falling ill. While the link between the cheese and the illnesses is supported by this information, the investigation remains ongoing, and additional products could be added to the recall if new evidence emerges.
Health officials continue to work to determine the source of contamination and whether further recalls will be necessary. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official FDA updates.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
