A California cheese manufacturer is recalling cheese products due to the possibility of pathogenic E. coli contamination.
Northern California-based ‘Sierra Nevada Cheese Company’ announced a full recall of its ‘Graziers raw milk cheese’ products distributed nationwide due to the potential for E. coli O26 contamination.
While investigations have not yet narrowed down the recall to specific manufacturing numbers or production dates, the company has decided to recall all Graziers raw milk cheese products currently in circulation as a precautionary measure.
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating a multi-state E. coli O26 outbreak, with 13 cases identified so far.
Investigation results indicate a link between the cases and the consumption of the recalled cheese. The company stated it is cooperating with the FDA and CDC investigations.
E. coli O26 is a type of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can cause acute diarrhea and, in some cases, bloody stools upon infection. It can cause severe, life-threatening infections in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
The FDA advises consumers who have purchased the recalled products not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund or discard them.
For inquiries related to the recall, please contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company by phone (530-934-8662).
