Texas Graziers Cheese E. Coli Lawsuit

An E. coli outbreak linked to Graziers cheese has sickened at least 13 people in 9 states, and more than half of them are children under 5 years old.

Need a Texas E. Coli Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you got sick from Graziers cheese that was recalled for E. coli contamination, contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Information About the Outbreak & Recall

• Manufacturer: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company (Willows, California)
• Product: Graziers raw milk cheddar and jack cheeses — every variety and size
• Recall date: September 24, 2026
• Risk: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O26:H11 (STEC)
• Illnesses: 13 people sick nationwide, with 8 people hospitalized and 3 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
• Recall announcement: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Recalls Graziers Raw Milk Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
• More information: CDC outbreak notice

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

In September 2026, federal health officials opened an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections that are linked to Graziers raw milk cheese, a product manufactured by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California.

Recall for All Varieties of Graziers Raw Cheese

In response to the outbreak, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company issued a voluntary recall for all varieties and sizes of Graziers raw milk cheese currently on the market. The recall notice says the illnesses have been epidemiologically associated with the “Medium Cheddar” variety of cheese, but other cheese products are also being recalled.

Which Graziers Cheeses Are Affected?

Where Was Graziers Cheese Sold?

Graziers raw milk cheese was sold in stores nationwide, and also online. The bulk 5-pound loaves were supplied to wholesalers and food service companies.

What Happened?

The E. coli outbreak has sickened people in at least 9 states, including: California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.

The illnesses started on dates ranging from July 7 through August 26, 2026. Of the 13 people with confirmed illnesses, 8 people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, but there were 3 reports of people who developed a life-threatening type of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

How Was This Outbreak Discovered?

NBC 7 San Diego reported that San Diego County’s epidemiology team identified the outbreak linked to Graziers raw milk cheese after 2 local cases.

Public health investigators also used whole genome sequencing to compare bacteria from people who got sick in other states. Those samples were closely related genetically, which strongly suggests that everyone who got sick was infected from the same food source.

Also, when state and local officials asked sick people what they ate before they got sick, all 9 people who were interviewed said they ate Graziers raw milk cheese.

Federal regulators contacted the company on September 24, 2026. That same day, the company agreed to recall every variety of Graziers raw milk cheese. The CDC and FDA warned the public the following day.

What Is E. Coli O26?

E. coli O26:H11 is a type of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Infections can be very serious, especially for young children and people with vulnerable immune systems.

This outbreak is concerning because many of the victims are young children. According to the CDC:

“Over half of the sick people in this outbreak are children 5 years old and younger.”

According to the FDA, the symptoms of an infection with E. coli 026:H11 can show up within a few days of eating contaminated food. In other cases, symptoms may not appear for up to 9 days. These symptoms may include:

• Severe stomach pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Risk of Serious Complications

Dehydration is a potentially life-threatening complication of this infection, which can occur quickly in younger patients who are unable to keep liquids down due to severe vomiting and diarrhea. Another risk is a serious kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). People who develop these complications may need to be hospitalized.

What Should I Do?

Health officials are warning consumers to eat the cheese. You can throw it away or return it for a refund. The CDC also suggests washing anything the cheese touched with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Updates are posted on the FDA outbreak page and the company’s recall website.

Legal Help for E. Coli Outbreak Victims

The Texas Department of State Health Services lists more than 50 licensed raw-for-retail dairies, from Brenham to Santa Fe.

Texans who got sick in an outbreak of E. coli may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A food poisoning lawyer can review what happened, explain your legal rights, and your options for moving forward.

Need a Texas E. Coli Lawsuit?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.