There have been five recent food safety warnings issued by state regulators for raw milk and raw milk cheese.
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a warning for raw milk produced by Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk after testing confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria
- PA Department of Ag issued a warning for raw milk cheese distributed by BeiHollow Farm, Elizabethville, PA, after testing confirmed that the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, reported that 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, after 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County, Idaho.
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a Warning about unpasteurized raw milk from HuHill Farm after samples of that product tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni contamination Fort Plain, New York.
- The Washington Department of Health reported that two people were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni after both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA).
Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Contaminated Raw Milk from Meadow View Jerseys Dairy
August 14, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased between August 5 and 12, 2024, with a sell-by date of August 19, 2024. Routine testing for pathogens confirmed that the milk was contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria.
Milk was sold in plastic gallon, plastic and glass half gallon, plastic quart, and plastic pint containers with a sell by date of August 19, 2024. Milk was sold from the farm’s store in Leola and a number of retail stores in southcentral Pennsylvania.
Shigatoxin-producing E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. Children under five, adults over 65, and people with compromised immune systems may be at risk.
The farm contacted wholesale and retail stores that distributed the milk.
Milk was sold in the following locations:
Berks County
Weaver Orchard, 40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown, PA 19543
Dauphin County
Soil & Soul Farm, 2405 Colebrook Road, Middletown, PA 17057
Lancaster County
Meadow View Jerseys Retail Farm Store, 172 South Farmersville Road, Leola, PA 17540
Bird in Hand Farm Supply, 2805 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
Ebenezer Groceries, 465 North Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522
Everest Indian Grocery Store, 1621 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603
Forry’s Country Store, 820 Ivy Drive Lancaster, PA 17601
Hilltop Acres, 347 Rife Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545
Meck’s Produce, 1955 Beaver Valley Pike, Strasburg, PA 17579
Sensenig Poultry, 843 Furnace Hill Road, Lititz, PA 17543
The Country Store 3140, Mount Joy Road, Mount Joy PA 17552
Union Mill Acres, 7557 Elizabethtown, Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Willow Creek Grocery, 30 Willow Street, Reinholds, PA 17569
Lebanon County
Country View Grocery, 1941 Horseshoe Pike, Annville, PA 17003
Information about drinking raw milk can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services help to ensure that food sold in Pennsylvania is safe. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/pda/newsroom/pa-agriculture-department-warns-consumers--to-discard-listeria-c.html
PA Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Listeria-Contaminated Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese from BeiHollow Farm
August 16, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard BeiHollow Farm brand raw milk cheddar cheese, aged 60 days. Routine testing for pathogens in two retail packages purchased by the department confirmed that the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The cheese was distributed by BeiHollow Farm, 314 Chubb Road, in Elizabethville, Dauphin County. The contaminated cheese was sold at Racoon Valley Farm, 593 Racoon Valley Road, in Millerstown, Perry County. Other locations where the product was sold are unknown. To date, the producer has refused to recall products, provide a list of retail outlets selling the cheese, or cooperate with state food safety inspectors’ investigation to determine the extent of the contamination.
PA Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Listeria-Contaminated Raw Milk Cheddar Cheese from BeiHollow Farm
August 16, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard BeiHollow Farm brand raw milk cheddar cheese, aged 60 days. Routine testing for pathogens in two retail packages purchased by the department confirmed that the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The cheese was distributed by BeiHollow Farm, 314 Chubb Road, in Elizabethville, Dauphin County. The contaminated cheese was sold at Racoon Valley Farm, 593 Racoon Valley Road, in Millerstown, Perry County. Other locations where the product was sold are unknown. To date, the producer has refused to recall products, provide a list of retail outlets selling the cheese, or cooperate with state food safety inspectors’ investigation to determine the extent of the contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an illness which has symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Listeriosis mainly affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.
No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product. Anyone who consumed the cheese should consult their physicians if they become ill.
Information about drinking raw milk can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services help to ensure that food sold in Pennsylvania is safe. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
Editor’s Note: An image of label that may be on the product is attached.
East Idaho News
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2024/08/at-least-18-people-sick-with-bacterial-infection-after-drinking-raw-milk-in-jefferson-county/
At least 18 people sick with bacterial infection after drinking raw milk in Jefferson County
Published at 9:08 am, August 17, 2024
Kaitlyn Hart, EastIdahoNews.com
RIGBY — Officials are investigating reports of 18 people who recently tested positive for a bacterial disease after drinking unpasteurized milk.
According to a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection, since July 24.
All reported drinking raw milk, and 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County. According to the release, Paradise Grove Dairy distributes milk to many stores across southern Idaho.
“Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily stopped production Aug. 2, inspected and repaired equipment, and increased the frequency of milk testing before resuming production Aug. 12,” the release says. “Anyone who bought raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy from July 19 through Aug. 2 should stop drinking it and discard it immediately.”
No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product. Anyone who consumed the cheese should consult their physicians if they become ill.
Information about drinking raw milk can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services help to ensure that food sold in Pennsylvania is safe. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
Editor’s Note: An image of label that may be on the product is attached.
East Idaho News
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2024/08/at-least-18-people-sick-with-bacterial-infection-after-drinking-raw-milk-in-jefferson-county/
At least 18 people sick with bacterial infection after drinking raw milk in Jefferson County
Published at 9:08 am, August 17, 2024
Kaitlyn Hart, EastIdahoNews.com
RIGBY — Officials are investigating reports of 18 people who recently tested positive for a bacterial disease after drinking unpasteurized milk.
According to a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 18 people have tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection, since July 24.
All reported drinking raw milk, and 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County. According to the release, Paradise Grove Dairy distributes milk to many stores across southern Idaho.
“Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily stopped production Aug. 2, inspected and repaired equipment, and increased the frequency of milk testing before resuming production Aug. 12,” the release says. “Anyone who bought raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy from July 19 through Aug. 2 should stop drinking it and discard it immediately.”
Paradise Grove Dairy is reminding consumers to keep milk cold when taking it home from the store.
“People at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems,” the release says. “People in these groups are encouraged to consume pasteurized dairy products.”
Symptoms of campylobacteriosis infection include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Idaho Health and Welfare says symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and last about one week. Some people may develop complications that last longer.
If you are experiencing similar symptoms after consuming raw milk or raw milk products from Paradise Grove Dairy, Health and Welfare says to seek medical attention immediately.
The Idaho Division of Public Health is collaborating with Central District Health (CDH), Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH), and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in the ongoing investigation.
Contact your local public health district for additional information or to report an illness.
NY Department of Agriculture and Markets
https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-campylobacter-jejuni-contamination-raw-milk-montgomery-county
Consumer Alert: Campylobacter Jejuni Contamination in Raw Milk in Montgomery County
August 6, 2024 |
Albany, NY
“People at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems,” the release says. “People in these groups are encouraged to consume pasteurized dairy products.”
Symptoms of campylobacteriosis infection include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Idaho Health and Welfare says symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and last about one week. Some people may develop complications that last longer.
If you are experiencing similar symptoms after consuming raw milk or raw milk products from Paradise Grove Dairy, Health and Welfare says to seek medical attention immediately.
The Idaho Division of Public Health is collaborating with Central District Health (CDH), Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH), and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in the ongoing investigation.
Contact your local public health district for additional information or to report an illness.
NY Department of Agriculture and Markets
https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-campylobacter-jejuni-contamination-raw-milk-montgomery-county
Consumer Alert: Campylobacter Jejuni Contamination in Raw Milk in Montgomery County
August 6, 2024 |
Albany, NY
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers in Montgomery County and the surrounding area not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from Rob and Shirley Hudyncia dba HuHill Farm due to possible Campylobacter jejuni contamination. HuHill Farm is located at 232 Lighthall Road, Fort Plain, New York 13339. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product.
A routine sample of the milk collected by an inspector from the Department was discovered to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni. On August 1, 2024, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on August 5, 2024, confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of this harmful bacteria.
The Department recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from HuHill Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at (518) 860-8098.
People with Campylobacter jejuni infection usually have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting may accompany the diarrhea. These symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after the person ingests Campylobacter and last about one week. Sometimes Campylobacter infections cause complications, such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis, and arthritis. In people with weakened immune systems, such as those with a blood disorder, with AIDS, or receiving chemotherapy, Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a life-threatening infection.
It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization kills the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including campylobacteriosis.
A routine sample of the milk collected by an inspector from the Department was discovered to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni. On August 1, 2024, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on August 5, 2024, confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of this harmful bacteria.
The Department recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from HuHill Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at (518) 860-8098.
People with Campylobacter jejuni infection usually have diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting may accompany the diarrhea. These symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after the person ingests Campylobacter and last about one week. Sometimes Campylobacter infections cause complications, such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis, and arthritis. In people with weakened immune systems, such as those with a blood disorder, with AIDS, or receiving chemotherapy, Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a life-threatening infection.
It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization kills the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including campylobacteriosis.
Washington Department of Health
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/foodborne-illness/outbreaks/2024-campylobacteriosis-raw-milk
2024 Campylobacteriosis Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk Consumption
Foodborne illness webpage | Link to all outbreaks
Last updated: August 12, 2024
Overview
In mid-July 2024, 2 Washington residents in different counties were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni. Both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA) shortly before becoming ill.
Raw milk is a high-risk food for causing illness because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria may naturally be in cattle manure which can contaminate milk during production.
The production of raw milk in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In response to these illness reports, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) tested milk samples collected from the creamery and conducted an inspection of both the dairy farm and the milk plant. The results for all the samples were “Not found” for Campylobacter. Both the dairy farm and the milk plant had passing inspections. A recall of the milk was not conducted.
WSDA collects routine samples from the firm on a monthly basis that includes screening for pathogens including Campylobacter and will continue to do so moving forward. For more about how WSDA regulates dairy, visit: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/dairy
Washington State Case Information
Washington residents from Thurston (1) and Pierce (1) counties have been included in this outbreak. They each purchased Old Silvana Jim’s Jerseys gallon-sized whole milk between July 10 and July 16, 2024. The milk they purchased has now expired. No other common exposures were identified.
Raw Milk in Washington
Washington State allows the sale of raw milk by WSDA-licensed producers and processors for three purposes: further processing, human consumption, or animal feed. Each requires a license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
In Washington State, from 2005 through 2024 there have been at least 11 outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).
Advice to Consumers
Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.
Any person of any age can get very sick or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of severe illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly, and persons who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk of severe illness.
If you notice symptoms (see below) after drinking raw milk, contact your health care provider right away.
Advice to Retailers
Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn purchasers about known hazards associated with the consumption of raw milk so that they may make informed choices about buying these products
Because of the associated risks in raw milk sales, all raw milk products sold at retail locations in Washington must be labeled with the phrase “raw milk” and include the following advisory posted at the sales location:
“WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and persons with lowered resistance to disease have the highest risk of harm from use of this product.”
In addition to ensuring raw milk containers are properly labeled, retail locations must also post the following written statement near the product:
"Warning: Raw milk or foods prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria capable of causing severe illness. Contact your local health agency for advice or to report a suspected illness."
Retail locations must also forward any complaints of foodborne illness to their location health department.
About Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter infection)
Campylobacter bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of cattle, poultry and pigs. Animals can carry Campylobacter without becoming sick.
It takes very few Campylobacter bacteria to make someone sick. People can get infected with campylobacter by:
Drinking unpasteurized milk
Consuming raw or undercooked beef, chicken or pork
Eating produce prepared with cutting boards used to cut raw poultry or meat
Coming into contact with animals or their beds, cages, coops, stalls or barns
Symptoms
People can get symptoms 1-10 days (average of 2 to 5 days) after swallowing Campylobacter bacteria. Symptoms often include:
Diarrhea (which can be bloody)
Stomach cramps
Fever
Sometimes nausea or vomiting
Most people recover on their own within 7 days. Complications can include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
More information on the health risks of drinking raw milk can be found on the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) website
Prevention
Avoid eating high-risk foods including raw or undercooked chicken or meat and raw milk
Clean cutting boards, knives and countertops that contact raw meat, chicken or fish with warm soap and water and sanitize them with a solution of bleach water (1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water) or antibacterial cleaner. Alternatively, wash them in the dishwasher.
Wash hands after contact with animals, their food or treats and their living environment.
More Foodborne Safety Tips
Public Health Partners
DOH works closely with local health jurisdictions to collect data from interviews of sick individuals to help identify common exposures between the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and other partner agencies on this type of outbreak investigation.
The investigation process can be long and complex. Only those who are severely ill tend to visit a healthcare provider and get tested, and each step of the process takes time.
Sometimes people don’t get sick until several days after they eat food containing Campylobacter bacteria. It can take a lot of time and effort to test samples from people who are ill, interview them for a detailed history of foods they’ve eaten and look for commonalities between cases.
More Resources
Washington State Department of Agriculture, WSDA
CDC Food Safety: Raw Milk
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