Discovery of harmful pathogens in raw milk triggers extensive recall and public health concerns in Washington State.
At a Glance
- Old Silvana Creamery recalls Jim’s Jerseys raw milk due to E. coli contamination.
- The affected batch has a best buy date of August 23.
- No E. coli illnesses reported in connection with the recall.
- Consumers are advised to return recalled milk for a full refund.
- Regulatory bodies investigate to prevent further contamination.
Discovery of Pathogens Triggers Recall
The Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington, WA, has recalled its Jim’s Jerseys raw milk owing to E. coli contamination detected in samples. The recall affects raw milk with best buy dates of August 23, 2024. Although independent lab tests found no contamination, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) detected toxin-producing E. coli in their routine testing of the same batch.
Consumers who purchased the recalled milk are strongly advised not to drink it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The WSDA emphasizes the importance of adhering to this precaution as raw milk is inherently high-risk due to the lack of pasteurization, which is a key method for eliminating harmful bacteria.
Past Issues and Public Health Recommendations
Prior to this incident, Old Silvana Creamery had multiple recalls in 2015, 2017, and earlier this month, linked to both Campylobacter jejuni and E. coli. These recurring issues highlight the dangers associated with the consumption of raw milk. Such products are not heat-treated to kill pathogens, posing significant health risks such as severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and even kidney failure.
“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. . . Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.”
Regulatory bodies are not only urging consumers to exercise caution but are also conducting thorough investigations to trace the contamination source. The consistent appearance of pathogenic bacteria in raw milk underscores the necessity of stringent quality control measures in the dairy industry.
Other Ongoing Recalls and Health Warnings
Cozy Vale Creamery in Tenino, WA, is concurrently dealing with recalls for raw milk and cream products due to similar E. coli contamination concerns. Consumers are advised to discard products with best-by dates from February 18 to February 29 and March 18 to March 28, 2024. Three illnesses have already been linked to their contaminated products.
The Washington State Department of Health has advised against consuming a lot of raw milk from Old Silvana Creamery as well. Contaminated products were sold at various retail outlets across Western Washington, making widespread public health warnings imperative.
“However, the sample of Jim’s Jerseys with the same best buy date of Aug. 23 taken by the Washington State Department of Agriculture during their routine testing came back positive for toxin-producing E.coli,” according to a public notice from the department.
Washington State has experienced 11 outbreaks associated with raw milk consumption from 2005 to date. This underscores ongoing concerns and the critical need for consumers to make informed choices about dairy products, particularly raw milk.
Sources
1. Washington State dairy again in the spotlight for pathogens in its raw milk; recall issued
