Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to raw milk cheese products, which have now been recalled.
Thirteen people in nine states have been sickened with E. coli infections in the outbreak, according to Sept. 25 notices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration.
Everyone who has been interviewed so far reported consuming Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese before falling sick, according to the FDA.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company agreed to initiate a recall of all its Graziers raw cheese products as a result, the FDA said.
In a social media statement, the company said, "We appreciate your understanding as we take this precautionary step."
Here's what to know.
Which cheese has been recalled?
The
recall applies to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese products including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack.
The products were sold at retailers in 8-ounce or 16-ounce packages and available to food service customers or wholesalers in five-pound loaves, according to the FDA notice.
According to Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, the retail products can be identified by the following UPC codes:
- Graziers RAW Milk Monterey Jack 12/8 oz
- UPC: 6-87652-16400-9
- Graziers RAW Milk Jalapeño Jack 12/8 oz
- UPC: 6-87652-16403-0
- Graziers RAW Milk Medium Cheddar 16 oz
- UPC: 6-87652-16501-3
- Graziers RAW Milk Medium Cheddar 12/8 oz
- UPC: 6-87652-16506-8
- Graziers RAW Milk Sharp Cheddar 12/8 oz
- UPC: 6-87652-16507-5
What to do if you have recalled cheese
Anyone who has the recalled cheese products should not eat them. Consumers can return the products to the place of purchase for a refund, per the FDA.
The FDA also recommends carefully cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that the recalled cheese touched.
Anyone who ate the recalled cheese and has symptoms of an E. coli infection should contact their medical provider immediately, the FDA said.
How many people are sick in E. coli outbreak linked to cheese?
According to the FDA and CDC, 13 people in nine states have been sickened in the E. coli outbreak so far.
Over half of those sick are 5 years old or younger.
Eight people have been hospitalized and three have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, the kidney failure that can be life-threatening, according to the agencies.
The last illness onset was Aug. 26.
The following states currently have cases: California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.
What is raw milk cheese?
Raw milk cheese is cheese made from milk that has not been pasteurized, a heating process that removes disease-causing germs, according to the FDA.
Consuming raw milk can cause lead to serious health risks, especially for groups like children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
While most dairy products sold in the US contain pasteurized milk, some consumers opt for raw milk products because its advocates argue it contains beneficial bacteria, which the FDA has refuted.
E. coli symptoms
E. coli are a type of bacteria. Some strains can cause illness by consuming contaminated food or water, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea or vomiting. They can begin anywhere from a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food.
Some infections can lead to life-threatening conditions – like a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome – or high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems, per the FDA.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese. See recalled products
