PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent warning for public safety regarding the consumption of “A Joy” brand raw milk products, sold in bottles in Susquehanna County. After receiving a report of potential bacterial contamination, extensive tests have been conducted that confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in half-gallon and gallon bottles at the A Joy Farm store located at 21 Lalor Lane in Little Meadows, Susquehanna County.
The tainted raw milk is suspected to be unlabeled and undated or may bear the A Joy label, with an “A2” or “A2/A2” product description. It is a matter of concern that the producer refused to issue a product recall, post any notice, or supply a customer list for direct notification, expressing unwillingness to take responsibility.
Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen commonly found in raw milk, has been known to cause listeriosis, a severe illness that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of this infection include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
While most healthy adults are able to ward off the illness without any long-term complications, pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or fatal neonatal infections. Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution and ensure that dairy products are pasteurized to avoid any potential health risks.
Reports have indicated no illnesses from this product at this time, but advise anyone who may have consumed and presented symptoms to immediately consult their physicians. This announcement underscores the importance of food safety and the critical role of preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of consumers.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the people of Pennsylvania. By working diligently to enforce food safety regulations, these services help to ensure that the food sold in Pennsylvania is not only tasty but also safe for consumption. This in turn supports the overall health and wellness of the state’s population. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
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