It has been determined that two people in Washington drank raw milk from Jim’s Jerseys before becoming infected with Campylobacter jejuni.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, the patients became ill in July after drinking unpasteurized milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington, WA.
“Raw milk is a food with a high risk of causing disease because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria can occur naturally 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, there have been at least 11 outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption between 2005 and 2024. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).
Raw milk production in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In response to these disease reports, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) tested milk samples collected at the dairy and conducted an inspection of both the dairy farm and the dairy plant. Both the dairy farm and the milk factory were subject to inspections. There has been no recall for the milk.
The agriculture department collects routine samples from the farm monthly, including screening for pathogens, including Campylobacter, and will continue to do so in the future. For more information about how WSDA regulates dairy, visit: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/dairy
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 permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Anyone of any age can become very ill or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of serious illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk for serious illness, according to the state health department.
Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn buyers of known dangers associated with raw milk consumption so they can make informed choices about purchasing these products. Due to the associated risks of selling raw milk, 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 retail location:
“WARNING: This product is not pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with reduced resistance to disease are at greatest risk of harm from using this product.”
In addition to ensuring that raw milk containers are properly labeled, retail locations must also post the following written statement with the product:
“Warning: Raw milk or food prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness. Contact your local health authority for advice or to report a suspected illness.”
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