Check your cheese drawer: Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheeses recalled nationwide

The recall applies to Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw-milk cheeses in four varieties: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack and Monterey jack.

According to the FDA, the recalled cheeses were sold at retail in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages, and were also available to food-service customers or wholesalers in 5-pound loaves. Because some wholesale cheese may have been cut and repackaged, shoppers should be extra careful with any cheese that no longer has its original packaging.

The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26:H11 infections linked to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheese. As of the latest federal update, officials reported 13 illnesses, 8 hospitalizations, 3 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and no deaths.

Raw-milk cheeses are made with milk that has not been pasteurized. That does not mean every raw-milk cheese is unsafe, but it does mean consumers should take official recall notices seriously when a product is linked to a foodborne illness investigation.

If you find one of the recalled cheeses, do not eat it. The FDA says consumers may return recalled cheese to the place of purchase for a refund. The agency also advises checking both refrigerators and freezers, because these cheeses may last a long time.

If the cheese has been stored without its original packaging and you cannot tell whether it is part of the recall, the safest step is to throw it away. After removing it, clean and sanitize any containers, shelves, knives, boards or surfaces that may have touched the product.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can begin a few days after eating contaminated food, although the FDA notes they may appear up to nine days later. Possible symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

The CDC advises people to seek medical care right away for warning signs such as bloody diarrhea, diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improving, repeated vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration.

This recall is not only a home-kitchen issue. Because the cheeses were also available in 5-pound loaves, restaurants, delis, retailers and food-service businesses should check storage areas, prep stations and repackaged cheese displays.

Any recalled product should be removed from sale or service. Equipment and surfaces that may have touched the cheese should be washed and sanitized to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

The easiest rule is this: if the label says Sierra Nevada Graziers and the cheese is one of the four recalled raw-milk varieties, do not eat it. Check the cheese drawer, the freezer and any wrapped portions from a deli counter.

This is exactly the kind of food alert where a quick kitchen check can make a real difference. A few minutes spent reading labels, disposing of uncertain products and cleaning surfaces can help keep meals safe and stress-free.