Pennsylvania Dept of Ag Warns about Raw Milk Cheese Due to Staph Contamination

PA Dept of Ag is warning consumers who may have purchased raw milk cheese form a Centre County (PA) produce after the Department found the presence of Staphylocuccus aureus.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture News Release
http://www.media.pa.gov/pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=508
Agriculture Department Warns Consumers of Contaminated Cheese from Centre County Dairy
12/29/2016

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today advised consumers who purchased certain batches of raw milk cheese from Stone Meadow Farm in Centre County to discard the cheese immediately or contact the manufacturer.

On December 12, department inspectors took samples from the dairy. The samples tested positive for the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus.

The warning applies to Stone Meadow Farm’s raw 60-day aged Havarti chees and its raw 60-day aged Colby cheese. The cheeses are labeled with the Stone Meadow Farm name and its address at 190 Quarry Road, Woodward, PA 16882.

No illnesses have been reported that could be associated with the cheeses, which were sold between October 2016 and mid-December 2016.

Other products and batches of cheese from Stone Meadow Farm were not affected by the recall.

Stone Meadow Farm sells its cheeses in approximately half-pound blocks at the Susquehanna Valley Growers Market in Lewisburg, Union County; the Boalsburg Farmers Market in Centre County; and the Millheim Farmers Market in Centre County. The cheese also is sold in five-pound blocks to Elk Creek Café & Aleworks in Millheim, Centre County.

Signs and symptoms of Staphylococcus Aureus food poisoning include sudden onset of severe nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. A fever also may be present.

Any person who consumed a product from one of the affected lots and has symptoms should consult their physician, visit their local state health center, or call 877-PA HEALTH (724-3258).

For more information about food safety, visit www.EatSafePA.com. For more information on Staphylococcus Aureus can visit www.health.pa.gov and search “Staphylococcus Aureus.”