E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese brand: CDC, FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections potentially linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese.
Thirteen people in nine states have been sickened in the E. coli outbreak, including eight who were hospitalized and three who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially serious complication of E. coli infection that presents with bloody diarrhea and fever, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported, the FDA said.
States with E. coli cases linked to raw milk cheese include California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.
The FDA said in an update on Sept. 25, that it interviewed nine people who became ill and all nine reported eating Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese.
The FDA said that it contacted the company on Sept. 24 and recommended a recall. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company agreed and initiated a recall that same day of all milk cheeses, according to the FDA.
In a statement posted to social media, the Sierra Nevada Cheese Company said the reported illnesses have been associated with its medium cheddar product but that it is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market out of an abundance of caution as the investigation has not narrowed down a specific lot or date code.
The recalled products include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack. The products were sold in 8-oz and 16-oz packages, as well as 5-pound wholesale food-service loaves.
"We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our customers and community, and we appreciate your understanding as we take this precautionary step," the company said in the statement.
While the FDA's investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if there are any other products potentially affected, the agency is recommending consumers who purchased the recalled cheese to throw it away and not eat or serve it. It said that they may also return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
They also recommend those who purchased or received the cheese to carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it has touched.
Retailers should also not sell the products and remove it from the market.
The FDA said it will continue to update the advisory once additional information becomes available.
Health officials have long advised to avoid raw milk products as they are not pasteurized -- a process that kills bacteria and viruses.
