Raw milk from Muddy River Dairy in Otsego County, New York has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, according to a news reports. Muddy River Dairy is not allowed to sell raw milk until new testing samples come back without contamination. (The news report lists the county where the dairy is located as Otsego and Otego.)
There have not been any reported illnesses linked to this issue. Symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacteria, can take up to 70 days to appear. People experience high fever, stiff neck, serious headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are most seriously affected by this infection, and while they may only be mildly ill with what seems like the flu, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and infection in the newborn.
There is no information about any identifying marks, product sizes, or use-by dates on the milk. If you purchased raw milk from Muddy River Dairy, do not consume it, even if you are going to cook with it. Throw it away in a sealed container in a secure garbage can, or take it back to the place of purchase for a refund.
You should then clean your refrigerator with a solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water to kill any bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Remove all items from the fridge, wipe them down with the bleach solution, then rinse and dry with a paper towel. Do the same to the shelves and drawers in the fridge. If Listeria bacteria get a foothold in a mild and moist environment, they can be very difficult to eradicate.
