The sale or distribution of raw milk in New Jersey is banned, but the state currently has two residents who are ill in connection with a major outbreak caused by the consumption of raw milk from a Pennsylvania farm.
In the latest government update on the Family Cow Dairy outbreak, the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services said in a press release Thursday that 78 people in several Northeast states have been confirmed as case patients in the outbreak. One of the New Jersey victims is a boy toddler, just 3 years old, from Gloucester County. The other is a 27-year-old man from Burlington County. “Both got ill after consuming raw milk from the Family Cow Dairy,” the news release said.
“Raw milk can contain a number of bacteria that can cause life-threatening illness, especially in those with compromised immune systems,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd. “Since consumers cannot tell if milk is contaminated by smelling or tasting it, residents should avoid consuming raw milk because of health risks associated with it.”
Most victims in the Family Cow raw milk Campylobacter outbreak live in Pennsylvania, where the Chambersburg-area dairy has resumed bottling unpasteurized cow’s milk and selling in at least four regions.
One of the farm’s distribution strategies is to sell the milk and other products at dropoff locations where it would have been possible for New Jersey residents to legally obtain it. Four Pennsylvania counties where the milk has been sold border the Delaware River, O’Dowd noted.
“It is important to note that this outbreak occurred despite the fact that Family Cow Dairy is licensed, inspected, and operating in compliance with Pennsylvania laws,” her statement said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93 outbreaks due to consumption of raw milk or raw milk products were reported from 1998 through 2009 resulting in 1,837 illnesses, 195 hospitalizations and two deaths. CDC released a study this week that stated the rate of outbreaks caused by unpasteurized milk and products made from it was 150 times greater than outbreaks linked to pasteurized milk.
In addition to campylobacteriosis, raw milk has been implicated in outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, salmonellosis, listeriosis, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and many other diseases.
Illnesses caused by these bacteria can be especially dangerous for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who have weakened immune systems.
New Jersey officials said that anyone with knowledge of persons engaging in the sale or distribution of raw milk in New Jersey is encouraged to contact the Food and Drug Safety Program at (609) 826-4935.
