Raw milk contaminated with Listeria; Pennsylvania officials issue warning
Pennsylvania public health officials warn the public not to drink raw milk from Sunshine Dairy due to contamination by Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria.
The raw milk involved was sold in the counties of Berks, Lebanon and Schuykill. All the raw milk sold by Sunshine Dairy between August 5 and August 15 must be thrown.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued the warning on August 18 after routine tests revealed that dairy milk was contaminated by the potentially fatal listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The affected raw milk was sold in containers of the farm plastic gallon at 9400 Old Route 22 in Bethel in the county of Berks, as well as three other retail stores in Pennsylvania:
- Swatty Creek Farms, 7725 Lancaster avenue, MyStown, Berks County
- Shady Breeze Farm-Corn Crib, 753 PA-419 MyStown, County of Lebanon
- The Farm Store, 113 E. Norwegian St, Pottsville, Schuyl County
No disease traced with raw non -pasteurized milk from Sunshine Dairy had been reported on August 18, but it can take up to 70 days for Listeria infections to cause symptoms.
Local, state and federal officials regularly put to warn of drinking raw and non -pasteurized milk – sometimes called fresh milk – because it can transport bacteria and viruses killed by the pasteurization process, which heats the milk to 116 degrees F for 15 seconds.
On Listeria infections
Foods contaminated by Listeria Monocytogenes may not seem, feel or spoil the taste but can always cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Anyone who has consumed raw milk from Sunshine Dairy and has developed symptoms of Listeria infection should ask for medical treatment and talk to their doctors of possible exposure to Listeria.
In addition, anyone who has consumed one of the raw milk should be monitored for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for listeriosis symptoms.
Symptoms of Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle pain, severe headache and stiff neck. Specific laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose Listeria infections, which can imitate other diseases.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients who weaken immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, fatal infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women can only feel light and pseudo-grapple symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, newborns or even mortinity infection.
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