The Food and Drug Administration announced that Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled multiple Graziers brand raw milk cheeses due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli on Sept. 29.
The recall covers Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar varieties distributed nationally through retail and direct-sale channels, the FDA said. No confirmed illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement.
STEC infections can cause severe complications including hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal kidney condition that disproportionately affects children under five, elderly adults and people with compromised immune systems, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised not to consume them and to dispose of or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The products were sold under the Graziers brand name and are identifiable by specific lot codes detailed in the FDA recall notice.
Raw milk cheeses carry inherent food safety risks because they are made from unpasteurized milk, which does not undergo the heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria. Pasteurization has been one of the most effective public health interventions in food safety since its widespread adoption in the early 20th century.
The recall comes amid ongoing national debate over raw milk and raw dairy products. Advocates argue that unpasteurized dairy offers health benefits and better flavor, while public health officials warn that raw dairy products are responsible for a disproportionate share of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, based in California, initiated the voluntary recall after testing indicated the potential presence of STEC contamination, according to the FDA.
The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition monitors recall actions and works with state health departments to track any illnesses associated with recalled products.