recalled-Pride-and-Joy-Dairy-raw-milkUPDATE:  According to the Yakima Herald:  The inspection was prompted by two salmonella illnesses reported to the state, one in Pierce County and one in Clark County, where the common product was raw milk, said agriculture department communications director Hector Castro.

Pride & Joy Creamery of Toppenish, WA is recalling organic retail raw fluid milk because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) that can cause serious illness.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections may cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but can take as long as nine days to appear. The infection sometimes causes hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider. At this time, there are no known illnesses associated with the recalled dates of this product.

The recall was initiated after sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) revealed the presence of toxin-producing E. coli in the product. Pride & Joy Creamery and WSDA continue to investigate the source of the problem.

Pride & Joy Creamery organic retail raw milk displaying Best By dates of February (FEB) 10 through FEB 24 has been recalled. The milk is sold in pint, quart, half- gallon, and one-gallon plastic containers. Recalled milk was sold at the on-farm store and online as well as at drop off locations and retail stores throughout Washington state.

Consumers who have purchased Pride & Joy Creamery organic retail raw milk with Best By dates of FEB 10 through FEB 24 are urged not to drink the milk and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 509-854-1389 between the hours of 8AM and 5PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Retail raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, but the potential health risks are serious. Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk container carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $600 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products.  The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s.  We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.

If you or a family member became ill with an E. coli infection or HUS after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case evaluation.