The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has issued a recall for bottled raw milk produced by Bridgewater Farm Nature View Dairy because it has been linked to people with Campylobacter infections.
In addition to the two patients, state investigators found Campylobacter bacteria in samples of the farm’s bottled raw milk.
“Consumers should use caution when ingesting raw milk products, especially those in high-risk categories,” state Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said in a public alert.
Nature View Dairy, which is in compliance with the Department of Agriculture recall, specializes in unpasteurized raw milk, according to the farm’s website. Despite much scientific data to the contrary, the dairy continues to promote its raw milk as safe. It is against federal law to sell raw, unpasteurized milk across state lines.
In addition to their own farm stand, Nature View Dairy sells milk and milk-derived products at markets in and around Danbury, including Caraluzzi’s Markets in Newtown, Bethel, Georgetown and Danbury, Labonne’s Market in Watertown and Nature’s Temptations in Ridgefield. other places.
A public alert from the state Agriculture Department defined pasteurization as “a process that removes disease-causing germs by heating milk to a high enough temperature for a specified period of time.”
“Raw or unpasteurized milk can be a source of foodborne illness. While good practices on farms can reduce contamination, they cannot guarantee safety against pathogens,” the department said. “Pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits without the risks of consuming raw milk.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCampylobacter causes “the most bacterial diarrheal diseases in the United States” and affects 1.5 million people in the United States annually. It is commonly found in uncooked or undercooked meat and dairy products.
Pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria and hepatitis A are commonly found in raw milk, and bird flu has also been detected, making unpasteurized milk even more dangerous than before.
Symptoms of a Campylobacter infection usually begin two to five days after ingestion and last about a week. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea.
“Those who exhibit symptoms of Campylobacter infection lasting more than two days should contact their healthcare provider,” Health Ministry Commissioner Manisha Juthani said in a public alert. “Although anyone can get sick from campylobacter, children age 5 and younger, pregnant people, adults age 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk for serious illness.”
Milk is a billion dollar business in Connecticut, This was reported by the Bureau of Regulatory Service of the Ministry of AgricultureS. Farms that sell raw milk are inspected for cleanliness, although facilities that sell less than $1 million in food of any kind annually are exempt.
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