Pennsylvania Issues Raw Milk Warning After Contamination Discovery
Pennsylvania health officials are urging consumers to immediately dispose of specific raw milk products after discovering dangerous bacterial contamination linked to multiple illness reports across the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a warning for all Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased since early April, with sell-by dates spanning from April 15 through July 8. The contaminated dairy products pose serious health risks and should be thrown away without consumption.
Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of campylobacter bacteria in milk samples after several consumers reported becoming ill following consumption. This harmful pathogen causes campylobacteriosis, a foodborne illness that can range from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening.
The contaminated milk originated from Meadow View Jerseys’ retail farm store located in Leola, but distribution extended throughout southcentral Pennsylvania. While the farm has contacted wholesale distributors, state officials report they cannot obtain complete customer purchase records, making it difficult to reach all potentially affected consumers directly.
Campylobacteriosis symptoms typically emerge two to five days after consuming contaminated products. Initially, victims may experience mild digestive discomfort, but the condition often progresses to severe diarrhea accompanied by fever and intense abdominal cramping. Most healthy individuals recover within a week, but the infection can become dangerous for vulnerable populations.
Particularly concerning is campylobacter’s potential to enter the bloodstream, creating life-threatening complications for people with weakened immune systems, including elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions or taking immunosuppressive medications.
The recalled milk was distributed across four counties in southcentral Pennsylvania. In Lancaster County alone, thirteen retail locations carried the product, including specialty stores like Bird in Hand Farm Supply and Everest Indian Grocery Store, alongside traditional markets such as Ebenezer Groceries and various country stores.
Berks County consumers should check purchases from Weaver Orchard in Robeson Township, while Dauphin County residents who shopped at Soil & Soul Farm in Londonderry Township should verify their dairy purchases. Lebanon County’s Country View Grocery in South Annville Township also stocked the affected products.
State agriculture officials acknowledge they lack current distributor information, complicating efforts to track all potentially contaminated products.
Raw milk, while popular among some consumers seeking unprocessed dairy products, carries inherent risks due to the absence of pasteurization. This heat treatment process eliminates harmful bacteria that can naturally occur in dairy products, making pasteurized milk significantly safer for consumption.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with campylobacteriosis after consuming raw milk should seek immediate medical attention. Healthcare providers can prescribe appropriate treatments and monitor for potential complications.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or consult their healthcare providers for guidance on symptoms and treatment options.
