HARRISBURG, PA — In a public health alert, consumers have been warned to discard raw milk sold under the Pure Pastures Dairy label from Apple Valley Creamery. The products in question have sell-by dates ranging from April 3, 2024, to May 2, 2024. The warning comes as a result of contamination with a bacteria known as Campylobacter.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported one case where a consumer fell ill due to campylobacteriosis after consuming the product. The raw milk samples from Apple Valley Creamery, tested by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, were found to be positive for the Campylobacter bacteria.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is Campylobacter?
Well, Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. It usually infiltrates milk through means such as an infected cow’s udder or manure contamination during milking or storage processes. Pasteurization of milk, a heating process that kills disease-causing organisms, is typically effective at eliminating such health risks.
The Department of Agriculture has further clarified that Campylobacter is not related to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1). Despite some potential confusion, Pennsylvania has a stringent monitoring program for H5N1 in poultry and assures that they have not detected the virus in any dairy cattle within the state.
The implicated raw milk had been sold in quart and half-gallon glass containers across multiple counties, specifically in Southcentral, Central, and Eastern Pennsylvania. The list includes Adams County, Berks County, Chester County, Columbia County, Cumberland County, Dauphin County, Perry County, Lancaster County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Union County, and York County. A wide array of businesses, from small grocery stores to large marketplaces, were involved in the distribution of the contaminated milk.
Consumers are strongly advised to dispose of all milk labeled as Pure Pastures Dairy with the sell-by dates mentioned above.
Campylobacter infection manifests as symptoms similar to that of severe food poisoning. Affected individuals usually experience diarrhea, which can be bloody at times, fever, and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, which typically start two to five days after infection and can last about a week.
Emphasizing the importance of taking this notice seriously, anyone who has consumed this milk is advised to consult their physician if they exhibit symptoms.
This incident spotlights the importance of stringent food safety procedures and regular testing in the dairy industry. While the danger is presently identified and contained, it serves as a reminder to businesses and consumers alike about the potential health risks associated with food products.
Prevention is always the best form of protection when it comes to foodborne illness. Regularly practicing good hygiene, buying from trusted sources, and properly storing dairy can help reduce the risk. So, the next time you grab that bottle of milk from your fridge, remember, it’s not just about enjoying a refreshing beverage, it’s about protecting your health too.
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