Graziers Raw-Milk Cheese Recall: What Shoppers Should Check Now
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled all Graziers raw-milk cheeses currently in distribution because of a possible E. coli health risk. The FDA says the products were distributed nationwide, including through retailers, distributors, direct customers and online sales. Check your refrigerator and freezer, and do not eat or serve any affected cheese.
This is a material update for shoppers: the recall covers all Graziers raw-milk cheeses currently in distribution, not only one variety. It does not mean every product made by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is affected; the notice identifies the recalled products as Graziers raw-milk cheeses.
Which cheeses are included
The recalled varieties are medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack. The FDA recall notice lists the package formats and their corresponding UPCs and item numbers. Check those details against any labeled product you find, rather than relying on the cheese name alone. Keep the notice handy if you are checking a package or asking a store about a purchase.
Distribution was nationwide and included food-service channels as well as retail and online sales. If someone in your household brought home Graziers cheese, check its label and do not assume it is outside the recall because it came from a restaurant, a distributor or a direct purchase.
What to do at home
- Check refrigerators and freezers. Look for the four varieties, including cheese stored in a drawer, wrapped in paper or transferred to a container.
- Do not eat or serve it. Do not taste the cheese to identify it. Freezing or cooking is not a reason to keep or serve recalled cheese.
- Discard it or follow the recall’s return instructions. If the original packaging is missing and you cannot confirm what the cheese is, FDA advises throwing it away.
- Clean and sanitize. Clean and sanitize containers, shelves, utensils and other surfaces that touched the cheese, following the directions for the cleaning and sanitizing products you use.
If you are unsure whether a package matches, use the FDA notice’s product formats, UPCs and item numbers to check it. Avoid serving cheese whose identity cannot be confirmed.
Outbreak investigation is ongoing
The FDA’s outbreak investigation is linked to E. coli O26:H11. The agency reports 13 illnesses, eight hospitalizations, three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths. The investigation remains ongoing, and those figures may change as public health agencies receive and review information.
For now, the practical steps are straightforward: check all household refrigerators and freezers, keep the recalled cheese off the table, and discard it or follow the company’s return instructions. Clean and sanitize anything it touched.
