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Raw milk cheese distributed nationwide has been recalled due to potential contamination with E. coli.
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Sierra Nevada Cheese Company voluntarily recalled all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese on the market due to possible contamination. Contamination has not been linked to a specific cheese or lot, so the company recalled all available.
People have been sickened in Georgia and Tennessee, but not North Carolina, as of Sept. 25. According to the brand’s store locator, Sierra Nevada products are sold at Sprouts, Fresh Market, Lowe’s and other groceries in North Carolina.
The FDA recommends consumers check their fridges and freezers for previously purchased cheeses, because the product has a longer shelf life than recalled produce.
E. coli bacteria is naturally found in the body, but some types are harmful to human beings. These forms produce Shiga toxins, which cause illness. A subset of those infected can experience Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a sometimes deadly illness characterized by red cell breakdown, low platelet count and renal failure.
The cheeses are potentially contaminated with E. coli O26:H11, which produces Shiga toxins. The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11, with thirteen illnesses documented as of Sept. 29.
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Around 100 people die in the United States yearly of E. coli infections, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Primary sources of E. coli include raw and undercooked ground meat, raw milk and fecal contamination of produce, according to the World Health Organization. Cooking foods thoroughly and washing (and if possible, peeling) produce helps lower risk.
This recall is among the many that have been instituted recently across the country, including in North Carolina. Here are a few:
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
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This story was originally published October 1, 2026 at 4:25 PM with the headline “Cheese sold at NC grocery stores recalled, possible tie to E. coli.”
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