Raw milk problems on Pa. farms

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Consumers who purchased raw milk from two Pennsylvania dairies are being warned of potential contamination.
Individuals who bought milk from Charles Bartels in Meshoppen, Wyoming County, any time after March 1 should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
During routine inspection, a preliminary test showed the presence of Listeria bacteria in some of the raw milk samples taken from the Bartels farm.
No illness. There have been no illnesses reported because of the potential contamination, but if individuals who consumed the raw milk become ill, they are advised to consult a physician.
The department of agriculture has suspended sales of raw milk at the dairy and is ensuring that corrective action is taken. Multiple laboratory samples must come back negative before sales can resume.
York County. Stump Acres Dairy of New Salem, York County, voluntarily stopped raw milk sales March 27 as a precautionary measure after a consumer who drank raw milk purchased from the dairy after March 19 experienced gastrointestinal illness.
In February, raw milk purchased at Stump Acres Dairy was linked to eight cases of infection with salmonella typhimurium and sales were suspended March 2.
On March 19, the dairy resumed raw milk sales following testing, cleaning and additional inspection.
The shelf-life for raw milk is about 14 days but can be longer if the milk is frozen, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Freezing of the milk will not kill the salmonella bacteria.
Individuals who drank raw milk purchased from Stump Acres Dairy and became ill are advised to consult with their physician. If no illness occurred, it is not necessary to seek medical attention.
Onset of illness usually occurs in 24 to 72 hours and patients typically recover in a week or less.