Sunday, May 16, 2021

Washington State Identifies Locally Produced Yogurt As Likely Link to E. coli Outbreak

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has identified PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy as the likely source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has 11 confirmed cases, including six children under the age of 10.

Research has show that E. coli can survive in yogurt.  The E. coli pathogen would likely have been in the milk prior to fermentation, and growing during the fermentation process.  The organism is acid tolerant and could survive for some time.

The producer is a small, local dairy.  Interestingly, this same dairy issued a recall in June of 2013 for pathogenic E. coli in their raw milk.  They also issued a recall in May of 2013 for improperly pasteurized milk.

Washington State DOH News Release
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/Articles/ID/2787/State-health-officials-link-yogurt-to-multi-county-E-coli-outbreak
For immediate release: May 15, 2021 (21-126)
State health officials link yogurt to multi-county E. coli outbreak

OLYMPIA – During the ongoing investigation into an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has identified a likely link to PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy.


Pure Eire Dairy is working with the state Department of Agriculture to identify and recall all affected products. Anyone who has PCC Community Market brand yogurt at home should not eat it and should throw it away.

The outbreak now includes 11 confirmed cases, including six children under the age of 10, infected with bacteria that have been genetically linked. Counties with cases include Benton (1), King (8), Snohomish (1) and Walla Walla (1). Seven people have been hospitalized. Three people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of E. coli infection.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and blood in the stool. There is usually no fever. If you notice symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, contact your health care provider right away. E. coli O157:H7 infections can cause serious complications.

DOH and partner agencies are continuing to test food samples and gather case information in this ongoing investigation. DOH will provide more information as it becomes available.

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