Big Brook Farm raw milk may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The government is warning consumers not to consume it. That farm is located at 6063 Weaver Road in Lee Center, in Oneida County, New York. No illnesses have been reported to officials to date in connection with the consumption of this product.
The farm cannot sell raw milk until sampling shows that the milk is free from contamination. A sample of the milk collected by an inspector was positive in a preliminary test that was conducted on September 24, 2026. Further testing, completed on September 29, 2026, confirmed the presence of the pathogen in th milk.
Raw milk can be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Brucella bacteria as well as the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and typhoid. Pasteurized raw milk is safe to drink because it has been briefly heated to destroy these pathogens.
If you bought this milk, do not drink it and do not serve it to others. You can pour the milk down the drain as long as you sanitize your sink with a mild bleach solution, or you can return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
If you or anyone in your family did consume this milk, monitor your health for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. That is how long it can take for symptoms to appear, although most people start getting sick within a few days or weeks. If you do get sick, see your doctor.
