Dungeness Valley Creamery of Sequim, Washington, is recalling their raw, unpasteurized whole milk, skim milk, and cream because it may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria that can cause illness. Routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture found the pathogen in retail raw whole milk that was dated 4/6.
Dungeness Valley Creamery retail raw whole milk, skim milk, and cream with the best by dates of 4/6 through 4/20 has been recalled. These products were bottled in gallon, half-gallon, quart, and pint containers. They were sold to customers, including retail stores, in western Washington state.
Dairy products may be contaminated because ruminant animals such as cows and goats can carry E. coli bacteria in their intestines. The bacteria is excreted in feces, which can contaminate the udder, the animal’s hide, and the environment. Raw milk is not heated to destroy pathogens.
The symptoms of an E. coli infection can include diarrhea that is bloody and watery, painful stomach cramps, and a mild fever. These symptoms usually start a few days after a person ingests the pathogen. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
Raw milk is legal to sell and buy at the retail level in Washington state. All raw milk products, however, must carry a warning label. Consumers should discard whole milk, skim milk, and cream with those best by dates from this dairy. If you purchased any of these items, you can return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Raw milk from this dairy has been recalled in the past for bacterial contamination. And in 2018, two people were sickened with E. coli infections that were associated with raw milk from this facility.
