Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is urging people to check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled raw milk cheeses following a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections.
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has voluntarily recalled all Graziers raw milk cheeses, including medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack. More info is available via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The products were sold nationwide and online mostly in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages, but also 5-pound loaves.
As of Sept. 25, health officials have identified 13 illnesses in nine states, including Nevada. Eight people have been hospitalized and three have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of some E. coli infections. The investigation is ongoing.
Because the recalled cheese has a long shelf life, consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers even if they purchased the product some time ago.
NNPH recommends that consumers:
* Do not eat any recalled Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese.
* Throw away the recalled cheese or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
* If the cheese was stored without its original packaging and you cannot determine whether it is part of the recall, throw it away.
* Clean and sanitize surfaces, containers and other items that came into contact with the recalled cheese to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
E. coli infections can cause symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some infections can cause bloody diarrhea and serious complications, including HUS.
People who have eaten recalled cheese and develop symptoms of an E. coli infection should contact their health care provider. Seek medical attention promptly for bloody diarrhea accompanied by a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than two days, or vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down.
