Sierra Nevada Cheese Company has recalled all Graziers-brand raw milk cheeses linked to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 13 people in nine states. At least one person in Oregon fell ill.

The Willows, California, company initiated the recall Thursday, Sept. 24, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the outbreak to Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheese.

The FDA published its recall notice Monday, Sept. 28. Recalled products include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, Jalapeño Jack and Monterey Jack in 8-ounce and 16-ounce retail packages, plus wholesale 5-pound loaves and 40-pound blocks.

Eight of the 13 people sickened required hospitalization, and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition, according to the FDA's outbreak advisory.

No deaths have been reported.

More than half of those sickened are children 5 and younger, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

Every one of the nine people interviewed by public health officials reported eating the cheese, the FDA said.

Illnesses began between July 7 and Aug. 26. Cases have been confirmed in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah.

The actual number of sick people is likely higher, the CDC noted, because many recover without seeking medical care.

The outbreak was initially tied to Graziers raw milk medium cheddar. Because investigators have not narrowed the contamination to a specific lot or production date, the company expanded the recall to cover every Graziers raw milk cheese product on the market.

What to do

The cheese has a long shelf life, so the FDA urged consumers to check refrigerators and freezers. Anyone who stored the cheese without its original packaging and cannot confirm the brand should throw it away.

Consumers, restaurants and retailers should clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the cheese touched. Recalled cheese can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

The company stopped production and shipment of all Graziers raw milk cheese after initiating the recall.

KOIN reported that at least one Oregon case is linked to the outbreak. The FDA has not specified a city or county within the state.

Consumers with questions can contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company at (530) 934-8662, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at [email protected]. The FDA's investigation is ongoing.