Cheeses removed from shelves after E. coli outbreak: 13 hospitalized

An E. coli outbreak in the United States, linked to unpasteurized milk cheeses produced by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, has led to the hospitalization of eight out of 13 patients across nine states. Three developed a severe kidney complication (HUS). More than half of the patients are children aged five and under. The company began recalling four types of cheese on September 24. Authorities urge the public not to consume them.

An E. coli outbreak in the United States, linked to unpasteurized milk cheeses, has resulted in 13 patients across nine states. Eight of them were hospitalized, and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe kidney complication. More than half of the patients are children aged five and under, a group particularly vulnerable to severe illness from contaminated food. Sierra Nevada Cheese Company began a recall on September 24 of four types of cheese: Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack, and Monterey Jack. The cheeses were sold in stores and chains across the US, and also supplied to food businesses. Authorities (CDC and FDA) advise not to eat, sell, or serve them. The link to the cheeses emerged in interviews: all nine patients interviewed reported eating the cheeses in the week before their illness. The exact source of contamination is still under investigation. No deaths have been reported. The article does not identify manipulation or sales intent; it is a factual report on an outbreak investigation.