CDC Confirms Multistate E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Cheese

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the agencies are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to a brand of raw milk cheeses.

According to a Sept. 25 update from the CDC, 13 cases of E. coli, a bacterial infection, were reported across nine states. No deaths were reported.

“Over half of the sick people in this outbreak are children 5 years old and younger,” the CDC said. “These products have a long shelf life. Check your homes for any of the recalled cheese. If you have any, throw them out or return them.”

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company said in an FDA-issued news release that it initiated a voluntary recall of the company’s Graziers Raw Milk Cheese, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, and Monterey jack cheeses. It came after the FDA communicated with the company to notify it of the E. coli outbreak, the agency said.

The products were sold via retailers in 8-ounce or 16-ounce packages, the notice said, adding that they were sold to wholesalers in five-pound loaves.

Customers and retailers were advised that Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses should not be eaten, served, or sold. Consumers who have bought the products are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a refund, according to the FDA release.

Consumers should also check their freezers and refrigerators for the recalled cheeses and throw them away. People who froze or refrigerated the cheese without the original packaging and cannot tell if it is part of the recall are advised to throw it away.

A map provided by the CDC shows that cases of the bacterial infection were reported in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

The FDA said it is investigating the outbreak to determine the source of E. coli contamination and whether other products might be impacted. The CDC and FDA say that people who suspect they may have contracted E. coli and have severe symptoms should contact a health care provider.

The CDC advised consumers they may want to “choose pasteurized milk and dairy products,” which is “especially important for children under 5 because they are more likely to get a severe foodborne illness.”

Officials with the CDC and other health experts say that symptoms of E. coli, or Escherichia coli, can start three to five days after exposure. Signs and symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, a low-grade fever, and a loss of appetite.

The Cleveland Clinic says on its website that other symptoms may be present if E. coli spreads outside the stomach. Should the bacteria infect the urinary tract, symptoms include pelvic or abdominal pain, pain or burning sensation when urinating, an urgent need to urinate frequently, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Severe symptoms can include a fever of 102 degrees F or higher, diarrhea that does not improve after three days, bloody diarrhea, vomiting to the extent that liquids cannot be kept down, and signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing.