Churchtown Dairy raw milk is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. That dairy is located in Columbia county at 357 County Route 12 in Hudson, New York. The dairy’s name is Foundation for Ag Integrity, doing business as Churchtown Dairy. No illnesses have been reported to the Department to date in association with this recalled product.
A sample of the unpasteurized milk collected by a department inspector tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result on July 25, 2019. Further lab testing, which was completed on July 30, 2019, confirmed the presence of the pathogen.
The producer is prohibited from selling raw milk until more sampling indicates that the product does not contain harmful bacteria. If you purchased raw milk from that dairy, immediately dispose of it. The government also asks that you call them at 518-851-2042.
Listeria monocytogenes causes an illness called listeriosis, which can take up to 70 days to appear. Symptoms of this infection include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pregnant women may only have a mild illness that is similar to the flu, but listeriosis can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. If you drank this milk and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor.
The notice from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets states, “It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time. Pasteurization kills the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including listeriosis.”
