A Tennessee E. coli raw milk outbreak sickened two infants in 2022, according to a study conducted by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in their weekly Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. One of the babies developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and became seriously ill. The milk was sold through a cow-share arrangement, since raw milk, or unpasteurized dairy, sales through retail outlets are illegal in that state. The two infants, who were 10 months old at the time, got sick on July 25 and August 1, 2022. Stool specimens tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria (STEC) by polymerase chain reaction. One of the infants developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and was hospitalized for 27 days. The … [Read more...]
Campylobacter Outbreak in UK Linked to Raw Milk
At least 56 people are sick in the United Kingdom with Campylobacter infections after drinking raw milk purchased from a vending machine on a farm. The patient age range is from one year to 86 years. Sales of raw milk from that farm were suspended after the outbreak was discovered. A judge banned the farm from selling any more of its unpasteurized milk last week. The farm is Low Sizergh Barn Farm in Kendal, UK. The raw cow milk was recalled in December 2016 after the outbreak was first announced. According to news sources, the farms' owner allegedly knew that the milk contained bacteria but kept selling it. The number of registered farms that produce and sell raw milk in the UK has decreased in the last 20 years from 570 to 100. It is illegal to sell raw milk and cream in … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak Associated with Raw Milk in TN
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who consumed raw milk before they got sick. Two cases of cryptosporidiosis have been confirmed in people who live in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region. Both cases are associated with raw milk consumption from a dairy cow share program. In the last few months, other individuals have been interviewed about sporadic cases of Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), who also drank raw milk from different sources. TDH Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehener said, "Consuming raw milk in the belief it's healthier than pasteurized milk is a perilous risk that shakes off the possibility of a range of serious and occasionally fatal illnesses for the individuals and … [Read more...]
Campylobacter in 3 Orange County Children
Three Orange County children, all under the age of 5, were diagnosed with Campylobacter infections, according to a report in the Orange County Register. One of them was hospitalized. All tests on Claravale Farm raw milk were negative for Campylobacter, Food Poisoning Bulletin has been informed. In April, the California Department of Food and Agriculture issued a recall of Claravale Farm raw milk products for possible Campylobacter contamination. The owners of the farm posted a notice on its website saying that between the recall and two lawsuits filed by former employees they were at risk of losing their business. Campylobacter is bacteria that is transferred via the fecal-oral route, meaning those who develop Campylobacter infections have ingested microscopic amounts of animal … [Read more...]
Campylobacter in Raw Milk Sickens Young Children in Odon and Montgomery IN
Campylobacter in raw milk has sickened several Indian children under the age of 2, according to the Indiana Department of Health. The illnesses were reported in the Odon and Montgomery areas. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever. These symptoms develop two to five days after exposure and can last about a week. During this time, the diarrhea can become bloody and sometimes there is also nausea and vomiting. Infections in young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems can cause serious health problems. Anyone who develops these symptoms after drinking raw milk should see a doctor. Unpasteurized dairy products and undercooked poultry are the most common sources of Campylobacter infections. Food and drinks that are contaminated … [Read more...]
Study Finds Raw Milk Benefits Do Not Outweigh Risks
A study conducted by the Department of Environmental Health Services at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future has found that the benefits of consuming raw milk do not outweigh the risks. The study was done for the Maryland General Assembly as they consider a bill to legalize the on-farm sale of unpasteurized milk in that state. The study, which was completed in December 2014 but just released to the public, states, "Overall, our review identified no evidence that the potential benefits of consuming raw milk outweigh the known risks." The bill, House Bill 3 was introduced to the Maryland House of Delegates during the 2014 session. The researchers looked at the scientific literature for studies regarding health benefits and risks … [Read more...]
Johns Hopkins Review: Raw Milk Carries Higher Risk of Food Poisoning Than Pasteurized
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conducted a literature review about the food safety of raw milk after a bill allowing the sale of raw milk directly to consumers was introduced to the Maryland House of Delegates during the 2014 session. Researchers examined the scientific literature regarding the health benefits and risks of raw and pasteurized cow milk. They examined 81 articles of peer-reviewed literature. "Based on our review of the scientific evidence, we conclude that drinking raw milk carries an increased risk of foodborne illness as compared to drinking pasteurized milk," they stated in their report. "We identified several articles that detected a relationship between drinking raw milk and reduced allergies among rural children and infants. The underlying … [Read more...]
Claravale Raw Milk May be Associated with Campylobacter Outbreak
The California Department of Public Health warned consumers that consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk may cause serious illness. Six people in northern California have been diagnosed with campylobacteriosis, a serious infection caused by Campylobacter bacteria. Multiple bottles of raw milk from Claravale Farm have tested positive for Campylobacter and have been recalled. In 2012, raw milk from Claravale farm sickened at least 22 people with Campylobacter. In this latest recall, raw milk, raw nonfat milk and raw cream from Claravale Farm in San Benito county with code dates of "MAR 28 and earlier should be disposed. Retailers should not sell it, and consumers should not drink it. The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection include diarrhea that is often bloody, abdominal cramping and … [Read more...]
Kentucky E. coli Outbreak Associated with Raw Milk in 2014
An E. coli outbreak in Kentucky in September 2014 was associated with raw milk consumption, according to the Kentucky Public Health Department. Five children in North Central Kentucky were sickened after drinking unpasteurized milk. Four of the children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious and life-threatening complication of this infection and had to be hospitalized. Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, DPH Commissioner said in a statement, "at this time, we know that all of the children consumed unpasteurized milk, which is different from the milk and dairy products you purchase at the grocery store. Unpasteurized milk is dangerous and has not undergone a process to kill bacteria before it is consumed, meaning it could contain disease-causing agents such as E. coli." Attorney … [Read more...]
Wyoming Steps Closer to Legal Raw Milk, More Food Poisoning, Critics Charge
A bill that would legalize the sale of raw milk and home-grown food has passed both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature. But critics say the bill, called the Food Freedom Act, contains no consumer protections and will put people at risk for serious illness and death from food poisoning. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle editorial page said a better name for the bill would be the Food Illness Bill. The Wyoming Senate voted 20-8, with one abstention, to pass the bill. Criticism of the bill does not fall along part lines. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, Sen. Charlie Scott, R-Casper and Sen. Fred Emerich, R-Cheyenne are all opposed to the idea. Before a fine version heads to Gov. Matt Mead, it will likely be sent to a conference committee. Because it is not pasteurized, raw milk can contain … [Read more...]
