Willows, California (September 28, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O26. The recall covers Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Sharp Cheddar raw milk cheeses distributed nationwide.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recall: quick summary
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in distribution because of potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26. Specifically, the recall includes several sizes of Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Sharp Cheddar cheeses.
At this time, the FDA investigation has not identified a specific lot, date code, or production date. As a result, the recall covers all affected Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently in distribution nationwide.
Meanwhile, the FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak involving 13 illnesses. According to the FDA, illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.
Official recall details
- Recall Announcement Date: September 28, 2026
- FDA Publish Date: September 29, 2026
- Announcing Agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company
- Brand: Sierra Nevada Graziers
- Product: Raw Milk Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, and Sharp Cheddar cheeses
- Issue: Potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26
- Package Sizes: 8 oz, 16 oz, 5 lb, and 40 lb, depending on product
- Lot/Date Codes: No specific lot, date code, or production date has been identified
- Distribution Area: Nationwide through distributors, retailers, and direct customers
- Consumer Action: Do not consume or serve the recalled products. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them.
- Consumer Contact: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or [email protected]
- Call to Action: Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company initiated the voluntary recall after the FDA contacted the company about an ongoing FDA and CDC outbreak investigation. Following the notification, the company stopped production and shipment of all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese and notified customers who purchased the products directly.
As part of the investigation, regulators identified 13 illnesses in the multistate E. coli O26 outbreak. According to the FDA, illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with consumption of Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar, although the investigation remains ongoing.
At this time, investigators have not narrowed the issue to a specific lot, date code, or production date. As a result, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all listed Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products currently in distribution.
Affected products
Product | Package size | UPC / Item |
|---|---|---|
Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack | 8 oz Square | UPC 6-87652-16400-9 |
Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack | 8 oz Square | UPC 6-87652-16403-0 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar | 8 oz Square | UPC 6-87652-16506-8 |
Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar | 8 oz Square | UPC 6-87652-16507-5 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar | 16 oz Brick | UPC 6-87652-16501-3 |
Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack | 5 lb Loaf | Item 6425 |
Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack | 5 lb Loaf | Item 6426 |
Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar | 5 lb Loaf | Item 6510 |
Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar | 5 lb Loaf | Item 6511 |
Graziers Raw Milk Cheddar | 40 lb Block | Items 6515 and 6516 |
What caused the issue?
The FDA identified potential contamination with E. coli O26, a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC. However, the recall notice does not provide additional details about how the bacteria may have entered the products or identify a specific source of contamination.
According to the FDA, infection can cause acute diarrheal illness, often involving bloody stools, within several days of consuming the bacteria. While most people recover within a week, some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
In severe cases, HUS can cause red blood cell breakdown, low platelet counts, and kidney failure. In particular, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems can face an increased risk of severe illness.
Documentation Insight
“When an outbreak investigation continues to evolve, maintaining accurate and current records helps teams keep track of what information has been confirmed and what actions have already been taken,” said Sweet Carpio, Document Management Specialist at Source86.
“Consistently documenting affected products, customer notifications, investigation updates, and corrective actions can create a clear record of the response as regulators and businesses receive new information.”
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume or serve recalled Graziers Raw Milk Cheese.
- Return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it.
- Check refrigerators and freezers because these cheeses may have a long shelf life.
- Look for Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar, or Sharp Cheddar products in the sizes and UPCs listed above.
- If cheese has been removed from its original packaging and you cannot determine whether it is affected, the FDA recommends throwing it away.
- Consumers, retailers, restaurants, and foodservice customers should clean and sanitize surfaces or containers that contacted recalled cheese to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Consumers with recall questions can contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662 or [email protected].
Behind the brand
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is a Willows, California-based dairy company founded by Ben Gregersen and John Dundon. According to the company, its portfolio includes grass-fed, organic, and raw milk cheeses, as well as goat yogurt, cream cheese, and cultured butter.
In particular, the company describes its Graziers line as a collection of dairy products made with milk sourced from pasture-based farms. The line includes raw milk cheeses, yogurt, and butter products.
Following the recall, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company also posted a notice on its website advising consumers not to consume the affected Graziers Raw Milk Cheese.
Other relevant recalls
- Berlin Seeds Recalls Alfalfa Sprouting Seed Over Possible E. Coli and Salmonella Contamination: A related recall involving possible E. coli contamination.
- Great Value Recalls Organic Triple Berry Blend Over Possible E. Coli Contamination: Another food recall involving possible E. coli contamination.
- Everything Sprouts Expands Recall to Robust Radish Mix Over E. Coli and Salmonella Risk: Related pathogen recall involving E. coli risk.
- Whole Foods Market Recalls Cabricharme Cheese Over Undeclared Egg Allergen: A recent recall involving another cheese product, although for a different food safety issue.
Regulatory context
The outbreak highlights the importance of pathogen controls and traceability for dairy products, particularly when investigators have not yet identified a specific affected lot or production date. In these situations, detailed records can help manufacturers and regulators determine the scope of potentially affected products as new information emerges.
Meanwhile, the FDA advises consumers, retailers, restaurants, and foodservice customers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled cheeses. The agency also recommends cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and containers that contacted the products to reduce cross-contamination risks.
For manufacturers, Co-Manufacturers, Co-Packers, and Private Label brands, the recall reinforces the value of maintaining reliable traceability systems and clear communication procedures. Together, these controls can support a faster response as regulators refine or expand an outbreak investigation.
Ensuring safe eats
Ultimately, the Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recall reinforces the importance of strong pathogen controls and a coordinated response when an outbreak affects the food supply. Effective procedures can help businesses act as investigators, identify new information, and refine the scope of a recall.
For now, consumers should check refrigerators and freezers for recalled Graziers Raw Milk Cheese and avoid consuming affected products. They should also follow FDA guidance for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers that may have contacted the cheese.
Raw-milk cheeses depend on aging and environmental controls rather than pasteurization, which is why Source86 evaluates a cheesemaker’s environmental monitoring program before sourcing specialty dairy. Sourcing artisan or raw-milk cheese? Speak with our dairy sourcing team.
