Graziers Cheese E. Coli Lawsuit

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers raw milk cheese products after an outbreak of E. coli sickened 13 people in 9 states, with most of the victims being children under 5 years old.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Graziers Raw Milk Cheese E. coli food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you or your child got sick with E. coli from Graziers cheese that was recalled, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Quick Facts About This Recall

• Company: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company (Willows, California)
• Product: Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese (medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, Monterey jack)
• Recall date: September 24, 2026 (voluntary)
• Risk: Possible contamination with E. coli O26:H11, a Shiga toxin-producing strain (STEC)
• Number of illnesses reported: 13 illnesses rpeorted in 9 states, including 8 hospitalizations and 3 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No deaths. More than half of victims are children aged 5 of younger.
• Official source: FDA outbreak investigation

Why Did Sierra Nevada Recall Graziers Raw Milk Cheese?

In September 2026, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company voluntarily recalled all varieties of Graziers raw milk cheese due to a risk of contamination with E. coli O26:H11.

What Cheese Products Were Recalled/

Investigators have not pinpointed a specific lot, date code, or production date, so all sizes and varieties of Graziers cheese products are being recalled. This includes retail packages and bulk-sized cheese loaves that were sold to food service customers and wholesalers.

The recalled cheese products include:

• 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

How Many People Got Sick?

The CDC investigation has confirmed 13 illnesses in 9 states as of September 25, 2026. This includes 8 people who were hospitalized, and 3 people who developed a life-threatening type of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). The illnesses began on dates ranging from July 7, 2026 through August 26, 2026.

Which States Reported Illnesses?

The outbreak involves people who got sick in at least 9 states:

• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Utah

According to the CDC, the outbreak may not be limited to the states listed above. Graziers cheese was sold in stores nationwide and also online, so people may have gotten sick in other states.

What Happened?

Investigators used whole genome sequencing, which showed that the strain of E. coli that made people sick was closely related genetically. This suggests that the people all got sick form the same food source. Interviews added more evidence to pinpoint the source:

“Of the 9 people interviewed, 9 (100%) reported eating Sierra Nevada Cheese Company’s Graziers raw milk cheese.”

Why Are Young Children at Greatest Risk?

Children 5 and under make up more than half of the victims in this outbreak, according to the CDC. Patients range from 1 to 58 years old, and the median age is 5.

Young children are especially vulnerable to the most serious complications of E. coli infections. In the recall notice, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company wrote:

“…a subset of infected individuals (especially children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals) may develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe illness characterized by hemolytic anemia (red cell breakdown), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and renal failure. HUS can lead to death.”

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli O26 Infection?

The symptoms of E. coli can start anywhere from a few days to 9 days after eating contaminated food. The symptoms include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea, often bloody
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

What Should I Do?

If you have the recalled cheese at home, do not eat, serve, or sell it. You can throw the cheese away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Also, you can wash items and surfaces that touched the cheese using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

For more information about the recall, contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time), email the company at recallinfo@sierranevadacheese.com, or visit the recall website for Sierra Nevada Cheese at https://sierranevadacheese.com/.

Did You Or Your Child Get Sick?

If you or your child got sick in an outbreak of E. coli, you may have legal options. The strength of your claim will depend on the facts and evidence including medical records and any lab testing. A food poisoning lawyer can explain what options may be available.

Do I Have an E. coli Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Graziers Cheese E. coli food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you or your child got sick with E. coli from eating Graziers cheese products that were recalled, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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