Raw whole milk from Conoco View Dairy in Blain, in Perry County Pennsylvania is being recalled for possible Campylobacter contamination, according to a press release issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Tests completed during routine sampling found the pathogenic bacteria.
The plastic half gallon and gallon containers of the whole milk were sold in Perry County at Newport Health Foods, Leid’s Market, Skyline Market, Mountain Supply, and The Pantry, and at Castle Creek Farm in York County. The on-farm market sold the milk in glass half gallon containers. The milk has a sell by date of February 16, 2018. No confirmed reports of illness have been received to date in connection with this recall.
Raw milk can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Cows can carry these pathogens. The bacteria are usually shed in the cow’s feces, and the udder is close enough to the anus for contamination to occur.
The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection include diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, and a headache. People usually get sick two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people are sick for about a week.
Campylobacter infections can lead to a serious complication called Guillan-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which can cause full body paralysis. The symptoms of GBS usually appear a couple of weeks after the illness begins. Other complications can include reactive arthritis, and infections of the gall bladder, heart, the central nervous system, the blood stream, and the urinary tract.
These infections can be very serious in the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Warning labels are required on raw milk sold in Pennsylvania.
If you purchased this milk, do not drink it. Throw it away in a sealed or double bagged package and put it into a secure garbage can, or take it back to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling this product.
