The state health departments of New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey are all warning consumers about the possibility of Udder Milk Brucella contamination in raw milk. A New Jersey woman has been diagnosed with an antibiotic-resistant Brucella infection after her “reported purchase” of raw milk from Udder Milk.
It is illegal to sell raw milk at the retail level in all of those states. Sales of raw goat milk directly to the consumer are permitted in Rhode Island with a doctor’s prescription. You can buy raw milk directly on a farm in New York state. It is illegal to sell raw milk in any form in New Jersey. And it’s illegal to transport and sell raw milk across state lines in the United States.
Udder Milk received orders online. Then customers would meet drivers at specific drop off locations to pick up the products.
The New York statement says that drop off locations for the purchase of raw milk from Udder Milk have been identified in New York City and Long Island. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are concerned by the illness reported in New Jersey and are following this case very closely because we believe Udder Milk has delivered raw milk illegally in New York. As we continue to collaborate with our federal and state partners in this investigation, we want to alert New Yorkers to the potential dangers of purchasing raw milk from this company.”
And State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Raw milk products can carry harmful bacteria which can pose serious health risks. Pasteurization standards are in place to ensure the public’s health, but it’s important for New Yorkers to understand the dangers of raw milk and avoid consumption.”
The New Jersey Department of Health issued cease-and-desist orders to Udder Milk. The sale of raw milk in that state is also illegal. Officials are investigating to determine from which farms Udder milk acquired its raw milk. State Epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan said in a statement, “It is illegal in New Jersey to sell or distribute raw milk or products made from raw milk, such as yogurt, soft cheese and ice cream. People should know that, in general, unpasteurized milk may contain dangerous bacteria and those who have become ill after consuming raw milk products should immediately consult a medical professional. Pasteurized milk and dairy products bought commercially are considered safe for consumption, because they are heated to a high temperature that kills harmful bacteria.”
A woman in North Jersey tested positive for Brucella RB51 infection. This infection is usually passed among infected animals, but cows can shed this bacteria in their milk.
Rhode Island officials also ordered Udder Milk to “cease and desist its illegal sales of unpasteurized, raw milk.” against Udder Milk. The press release states there is “confirmation that a New Jersey woman who drank the company’s milk was infected with antibiotic-resistant brucellosis.”
The symptoms of brucellosis can include fever, sweats, chills, weight loss, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Symptoms can appear up to six months after exposure to the pathogenic bacteria. Some symptoms can persist for months or subside and recur, including arthritis, fever, swelling of the testicles, depression, and chronic fatigue. In severe cases, infection of the central nervous system or lining of the heart can occur.
Officials from the FDA are warning anyone who purchased raw milk products or raw milk from Udder Milk contact their doctor and consider a prophylactic treatment of antibiotics to protect themselves. This strain is resistant to one antibiotic that is commonly used to treat this infection. And if you have any of Udder Milk’s raw milk products in your home, throw them away. Then clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any bacteria.
