FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 23, 2011
Contact: Laurie Barta, 360-264-4663
7018 Churchill Road
Tenino, WA 98589
COZY VALE CREAMERY RECALLS RAW MILK PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
Cozy Vale Creamery, previously known as Cozy Valley Farms, of Tenino, WA is recalling raw fluid milk products because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) that can cause serious illness. The unpasteurized milk products, including Whole, Skim, and Cream were distributed through seven retail outlets in Thurston and Pierce Counties.
The recall was initiated after Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) environmental swabbing at the facility discovered that locations in the milking parlor and processing environments were contaminated with toxin-producing E. coli. Cozy Vale and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the problem. E. coli has not been found in multiple monthly and surveillance samples collected by WSDA. Three illnesses have been reported in Cozy milk customers since August.
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. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider.
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.
Cozy raw cow’s milk products, including Whole, Skim, and Cream bearing best if used by dates up to and including 12/6 have been recalled. The milk products are sold in pint, quart, half-gallon, and gallon containers. Recalled raw milk products were sold from the on-farm store at 7018 Churchill Road, Tenino, WA and from the following locations:
Marlene’s Market
2951 S. 38th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
Olympia Food Co-op
3111 Pacific Ave
Olympia, WA
Olympia Food Co-op
921 Rogers
Olympia, WA
Olympia Local Foods
2442 Mottman Road SW
Tumwater, WA
Yelm Co-op
404-1st St.
Yelm, WA
Mt. Community Co-op
105 Carter St.
Eatonville, WA
Marlene’s Market
2565 S. Gateway Center Pl
Federal Way, WA
Consumers who have purchased Cozy raw milk products with best if used by dates up to and including 12/6 are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360-264-4663.
Retail raw milk is legal to buy and sell in Washington, but there are serious potential health risks. 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.
Note to editors: WSDA is distributing this news release at the request of the firm.
___________________________________
Jason Kelly
Communications Director
Washington State Department of Agriculture
360-902-1815 office
360-239-5003 cell
jkelly@agr.wa.gov
www.agr.wa.gov