Logo courtesy of Sierra Nevada Cheese Company 

WILLOWS, CA (MPG) - Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled all Grazers Raw Milk Cheese currently on the market as federal health officials investigate a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to one of the company's products.

The Willows-based company announced the voluntary recall Sept. 28 because of possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26:H11. The recall covers Grazers Raw Milk Cheese distributed nationwide through distributors, retailers and direct customers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating an outbreak involving 13 reported illnesses, according to the company. Investigators have associated the illnesses with consumption of Grazers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar.

Federal investigators have not identified a specific lot, production date or source of contamination. Because the investigation has not narrowed the potential contamination to specific products, Sierra Nevada Cheese recalled all Grazers Raw Milk Cheese currently in distribution.

The recall includes 8-ounce packages of Grazers Raw Milk Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar, along with a 16-ounce Medium Cheddar brick.

It also includes 5-pound loaves of Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar, as well as 40-pound cheddar blocks.

Sierra Nevada Cheese initiated the recall after the FDA contacted the company as part of the ongoing federal outbreak investigation. The company said it immediately stopped production and shipment of all Grazers Raw Milk Cheese and notified customers who purchased affected products directly from the company.

The company said it is cooperating with the FDA and CDC as investigators continue working to determine the source of the contamination.

E. coli O26:H11 can cause serious illness, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include acute diarrhea, which may be bloody, within several days of consuming the bacteria. Most people recover within a week.

Some patients, particularly children younger than 5, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome. The condition can cause red blood cell breakdown, low platelet counts and kidney failure and can be fatal.

Consumers who purchased recalled Grazers Raw Milk Cheese should not eat or serve it. The company advises customers to return the cheese to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it.

Consumers with questions may contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at 530-934-8662 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or email [email protected].