Washington State dairy again in the spotlight for pathogens in its raw milk; recall issued

A dairy operation in Washington has recalled raw milk because of contamination with E. coli. Earlier this month raw milk from the same dairy was linked to Campylobacter jejuni infections.

This week the Old Silvana Creamery of Arlington, WA, recalled their Jim’s Jerseys raw milk after state health officials found E. coli contamination during routine testing.

All Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with best buy dates of  Aug. 23 has been recalled. The products are not labeled with a best if used by date.

According to state officials in Washington, Old Silvana Creamery routinely has their milk tested by an independent lab, and samples of Jim’s Jerseys with the best buy date of Aug. 23 tested negative for toxin-producing E.coli. 

“However, the sample of Jim’s Jerseys with the same best buy date of Aug. 23 taken by the Washington State Department of Agriculture during their routine testing came back positive for toxin-producing E.coli,” according to a public notice from the department.

As of the posting of the notice the dairy was not aware of any E. coli  illnesses associated with the recalled milk. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that many E. coli infections go unreported because some patients do not seek medical attention and others are not specifically tested for E. coli infections.

Jim’s Jerseys raw milk that is subject to the recall was sold in half gallon and gallon containers. Recalled raw milk was sold to customers in Western Washington via the on-farm store as well as retail stores.

Consumers who have purchased Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with the best buy date of Aug. 23 are urged not to drink the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 425-268-7961.

Old Silvana Creamery and the Washington agriculture department are continuing their investigation into the source of the problem.

Earlier this month, Washington State officials announced that Jim’s Jerseys milk from the Old Sivana Creamery was behind an outbreak of infections from Campylobacter jejuni. The patients became ill in July after drinking unpasteurized milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery located in Arlington, WA, according to the state agriculture department.

In 2015 and 2017, respectively, the Silvana Creamery recalled its raw milk because of Campylobacter and E. coli contamination.

“Raw milk is a high-risk food for causing illness because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria may naturally be in cattle manure which can contaminate milk during production. . . Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.” according to the health department.

“In Washington State, from 2005 through 2024, there have been at least 11 outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).”

The production of raw milk in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

The agriculture department collects routine samples from the firm on a monthly basis that includes screening for pathogens. For more about how WSDA regulates dairy, click here.

Washington State allows the sale of raw milk by WSDA-licensed producers and processors for three purposes: further processing, human consumption, or animal feed. Each requires a license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Any person of any age can get very sick or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of severe illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly, and persons who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk of severe illness, according to the state health department.

Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn purchasers about known hazards associated with the consumption of raw milk so that they may make informed choices about buying these products. Because of the associated risks in raw milk sales, all raw milk products sold at retail locations in Washington must be labeled with the phrase “raw milk”  and include the following advisory posted at the sales location:

“WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and persons with lowered resistance to disease have the highest risk of harm from use of this product.”

In addition to ensuring raw milk containers are properly labeled, retail locations must also post the following written statement near the product:

“Warning: Raw milk or foods prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria capable of causing severe illness. Contact your local health agency for advice or to report a suspected illness.”

About E. coli infections
Anyone who has consumed any raw milk from Silvana Creamery sold under the Jim’s Jerseys brand and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/08/washington-state-dairy-again-in-the-spotlight-for-pathogens-in-its-raw-milk-recall-issued/