Organic Pastures raw milk recalled for E.coli was sold at 159 stores in Northern California, according to a retail distribution list posted by the California Department of Public Health. The list includes co-ops and natural grocery stores including several locations of the Sprouts, Nugget and New Leaf chains.
The recalled milk has been linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened six children with a unique strain of shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157. The illnesses occurred in January.
The recalled product, Organic Pastures raw whole milk, had “use by” dates of 1/23/16 (lot code 20160105-1) and 1/26/16 (lot code 20160106-2). Consumers who purchased and froze the milk ay still have it in hand and should not drink, health officials say.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may be bloody. Sometimes there may also be a mild fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop three to four days after exposure and last about a week.
Children under the age of 5 are at highest risk for serious complications from E.coli infections including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which leads to kidney failure. Symptoms of HUS include lethargy, low or no urine output, pale skin, easy bruising, skin rash, and jaundice. Anyone with these symptoms requires immediate medical attention.
