Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O26:H11: Raw Milk Cheese Closed

Recalled product should no longer be for sale. This product has a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes for recalled product and should discard or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Source: Food & Drug Administration
Image: Courtesy

Current Update

November 13, 2026

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese.

Based on information collected by CDC and state partners, a total of 18 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O26:H11 have been reported from 10 states. State and public health officials interviewed ill people or their caregivers about the foods they ate before getting sick. Of the 15 people interviewed, all 15 (100%) in this outbreak reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 7, 2026, to September 20, 2026. There were 9 hospitalizations and no deaths. CDC is declaring the outbreak over. 

As part of the investigation, state partners collected samples of Sierra Nevada cheeses from sick people’s homes. Opened samples of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw medium cheddar cheese collected by the California Department of Public Health tested positive for E. coli and matched the outbreak strain by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also collected an open sample of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw medium cheddar cheese product from a consumer’s home, and testing by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed it was positive for a different strain of E. coli. These products were both part of Sierra Nevada’s Graziers recall and should no longer be for sale. 

The recalled product has a long shelf life. FDA is reminding consumers to check their homes for any recalled Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheeses and throw them away. Consumers can contact their place of purchase for a refund.