Search milk

Idaho Public Health officials are investigating recent reports of 18 people who recently experienced symptoms of, and tested positive for, Campylobacter, and who also reported purchasing and drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk from Paradise Grove Dairy. The Idaho Division of Public Health is collaborating with Central District Health (CDH), Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH), and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in the ongoing investigation.

Since July 24, 18 people tested positive for campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection. All 18 reported drinking raw milk, and 17 reported drinking raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy in Jefferson County prior to getting sick. Paradise Grove Dairy distributes milk to numerous stores across southern Idaho. CDH and EIPH are conducting interviews with sick people.

Paradise Grove Dairy voluntarily stopped production Aug. 2, inspected and repaired equipment, and increased the frequency of milk testing, before resuming production Aug. 12. Anyone who bought raw milk produced by Paradise Grove Dairy from July 19 through Aug. 2 should stop drinking it and discard it immediately. Paradise Grove Dairy also reminded consumers to make sure they keep milk cold when taking it home from the store.

People at higher risk of severe illness after consuming raw dairy products include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. People in these groups are encouraged to consume pasteurized dairy products.

Common symptoms of campylobacteriosis infection include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea and/or vomiting. Symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and last about one week. Some people may develop complications that last longer. If you are experiencing similar symptoms after consuming raw milk or raw milk products from Paradise Grove Dairy, seek medical attention.

rawmilk-blue-406

The Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) is advising residents not to consume one lot of Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington, WA, which has been voluntarily recalled due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The recall applies only to raw milk with a “best buy” date of 8/23, sold in ½ gallon and gallon containers at the farm store and various retail outlets across Western Washington, including Community Food Co-op in Bellingham and Cost Cutter in Blaine. 

In collaboration with local and state partners, including the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the Old Silvana Creamery is investigating the potential E. coli contamination. The routine testing by WSDA revealed the presence of toxin-producing E. coli in a sample with the best buy date of 8/23, while independent lab testing by the creamery did not detect the bacteria. Currently, there are no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Old Silvana Creamery and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the contamination. Raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, but consumers are advised to be aware of the potential health risks and ensure that any raw milk purchased is from a WSDA-licensed operation.

Consumers who have purchased Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with the best buy date of 8/23 should take the following precautions:

                  ◦               Do not consume the raw milk.

                  ◦               Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

                  ◦               Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as:

                  ◦               Severe diarrhea or diarrhea lasting more than three days

                  ◦               Stomach cramps

                  ◦               Blood in the stool

                  ◦               Note: Usually, little or no fever is present. People usually get sick from E. coli between one and eight days (usually two to three days) after swallowing the bacteria.

rawmilk-blue-406

In mid-July 2024, 2 Washington residents in different counties were infected with the same, highly related strain of Campylobacter jejuni. Both drank Jim’s Jerseys raw milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery (Arlington, WA) shortly before becoming ill.

Raw milk is a high-risk food for causing illness because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria may naturally be in cattle manure which can contaminate milk during production.

The production of raw milk in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In response to these illness reports, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) tested milk samples collected from the creamery and conducted an inspection of both the dairy farm and the milk plant. The results for all the samples were “Not found” for Campylobacter. Both the dairy farm and the milk plant had passing inspections. A recall of the milk was not conducted.

WSDA collects routine samples from the firm on a monthly basis that includes screening for pathogens including Campylobacter and will continue to do so moving forward. For more about how WSDA regulates dairy, visit: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/food-safety/food-safety/dairy

Washington State Case Information

Washington residents from Thurston (1)  and Pierce (1) counties have been included in this outbreak. They each purchased Old Silvana Jim’s Jerseys gallon-sized whole milk between July 10 and July 16, 2024. The milk they purchased has now expired. No other common exposures were identified.

Raw Milk in Washington

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 license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

In Washington State, from 2005 through 2024 there have been at least 11 outbreaks associated with consumption of raw milk. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).

Advice to Consumers

Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.

Any person of any age can get very sick or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of severe illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly, and persons who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk of severe illness.

If you notice symptoms (see below) after drinking raw milk, contact your health care provider right away.

Advice to Retailers

Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn purchasers about known hazards associated with the consumption of raw milk so that they may make informed choices about buying these products

Because of the associated risks in raw milk sales, 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 sales location:

“WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and persons with lowered resistance to disease have the highest risk of harm from use of this product.”

In addition to ensuring raw milk containers are properly labeled, retail locations must also post the following written statement near the product:

“Warning: Raw milk or foods prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria capable of causing severe illness. Contact your local health agency for advice or to report a suspected illness.”

Retail locations must also forward any complaints of foodborne illness to their location health department.

About Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter infection)

Campylobacter bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of cattle, poultry and pigs. Animals can carry Campylobacter without becoming sick.  

It takes very few Campylobacter bacteria to make someone sick. People can get infected with campylobacter by:

                  •               Drinking unpasteurized milk

                  •               Consuming raw or undercooked beef, chicken or pork

                  •               Eating produce prepared with cutting boards used to cut raw poultry or meat

                  •               Coming into contact with animals or their beds, cages, coops, stalls or barns

Symptoms

People can get symptoms 1-10 days (average of 2 to 5 days) after swallowing Campylobacter bacteria. Symptoms often include:

                  •               Diarrhea (which can be bloody)

                  •               Stomach cramps

                  •               Fever

                  •               Sometimes nausea or vomiting

Most people recover on their own within 7 days. Complications can include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

More information on the health risks of drinking raw milk can be found on the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) website

raw milk

San Diego – 12 with Salmonella: County of San Diego health officials are reporting three additional cases of Salmonella illness linked to unpasteurized or “raw” milk from a producer in Fresno, CA.   

This brings the total number of local cases to 12, including three people who were hospitalized. The cases began in late September and the most recent person became ill on Oct. 17. 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a recall of Raw Farm milk and heavy cream Oct. 24, and a PDF that contains the specific product identification numbers with “best by” dates between Oct. 11 and Nov. 6. Additional raw milk products were not recalled.   

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency urges anyone who may have recently purchased Raw Farm LLC raw milk to not consume it and discard the product. 

The illnesses have been caused by Salmonella bacteria, which is commonly found in human and animal intestines. The 12 San Diego County residents who became ill have reported consuming Raw Farm LLC raw milk the week before they became ill. Cases in other parts of the state are being tracked by CDPH and other local health departments. 

Orange County – 7 with Salmonella: The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has identified seven cases of Salmonella illness in Orange County (OC) residents following consumption of unpasteurized or “raw” milk from Raw Farm LLC, which recently issued a recall of its raw whole milk and raw heavy creams products.

The HCA urges those who may have purchased raw whole milk or raw heavy cream products from Raw Farm LLC to not consume the products and discard them immediately. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming raw milk or products made from raw milk, particularly products from Raw Farm LLC, should seek medical care immediately.

All confirmed cases had illness onset within the past 30 days, with affected individuals ranging in age from one to 20 years old. The HCA continues to investigate the situation in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The HCA is also reaching out to stores in the county who may be selling these products to assure that they are aware of the recall.

2023 Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:
May 2023 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
August 2023 Salmonella Cheese Recall 

Here is bit(e) of history:

Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) & Raw Farm 
Started OPDC in 2000 – Changed name to Raw Farm LLC in 2020

Organic Pastures Dairy Company Recalls and Outbreaks:
September 2006 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 6 ill/2 HUS 
September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria Recall
December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak: 8 ill 
September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall
November 2011 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 5 ill/3 HUS 
May 2012 Campylobacter Raw Milk/Cream Outbreak: 10 ill, reported illnesses from Jan. thru April
October 2015 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
January 2016 E.coli Raw Milk Outbreak: 9 ill/2 HUS

Here we go again:

Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) & Raw Farm Recalls and Outbreaks 2006-2024
 
Started OPDC in 2000 – Changed name to Raw Farm LLC in 2020

Organic Pastures Dairy Company Recalls and Outbreaks:
 
September 2006 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 6 ill/2 HUS 
 
September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria Recall
 
December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak: 8 ill 
 
September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall
 
November 2011 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 5 ill/3 HUS 
 
May 2012 Campylobacter Raw Milk/Cream Outbreak: 10 ill, reported illnesses from Jan. thru April
 
October 2015 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
 
January 2016 E.coli Raw Milk Outbreak: 9 ill/2 HUS
 
Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:
 
May 2023 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
 
August 2023 Salmonella Cheese Recall 
 
October 2023 Salmonella Raw Milk Outbreak
San Diego County—12 illnesses 
Orange County—7 illnesses 

Here is the 2023-2024 version:

As of February 16, 2024, a total of 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states – California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024. Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese. This percentage was significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating any raw milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese.

CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.

E. coli:  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 $850 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.

Additional Resources:

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Epidemiologic data show that Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese is making people in this outbreak sick.

Since the last update, one new illness and one new state were reported. One sick person in New Jersey reported eating raw cheddar cheese during travel to Colorado in the week before they got sick. As of February 28, 2024, a total of 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 5 states – New Jersey, Texas, Colorado, Utah and California. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to February 5, 2024. Of 11 people with information available, 5 have been hospitalized and 2 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 9 people interviewed, 7 (78%) specifically reported eating Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese. This percentage was significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating any raw milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from all sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

Officials in California, Colorado, and Utah collected various Raw Farm products for testing including raw milk, raw butter, raw cheddar cheese, and raw kefir. So far, no samples have detected E. coli. Additional testing is ongoing.

On February 26, 2024, Raw Farm brand withdrew their recall. However, CDC continues to advise people not to eat, sell, or serve Raw Farm brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.

E. coli:  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 $850 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.

Additional Resources:

public-warning-Big-Brook-Farm-raw-milk-recall

New York officials are warning consumers about contaminated raw milk from Big Brook Farm in Lee Center.

In a warning issued by the State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner the public is advised to stop consuming unpasteurized raw milk from the dairy. The caution is a result of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

“On March 13, 2024, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on March 18, 2024, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample,” a release from the agriculture department stated. 

The farm is prohibited from selling raw milk until new testing shows that the product is free of harmful bacteria.

The commissioner said that if you bought the raw milk from there to throw it out and call the farm at 315-266-7254.

Big Brook Farm is located at 6063 Weaver Road in Lee Center. 

rawmilk-blue-406

Overview

In mid-January and early-February 2024, 2 Washington residents in different counties were infected with the same, highly related strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or “STEC.” Both drank raw milk produced by Cozy Vale Creamery (Tenino, WA) shortly before becoming ill.

Raw milk is considered a high-risk food for STEC infection because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. STEC bacteria (and other bacteria) can naturally be in cattle manure which can contaminate milk during production.

On February 16, 2024, Cozy Vale Creamery in Tenino, WA announced a recall of raw milk and cream because of contamination with STEC. The STEC bacteria found in the milk was a different strain than the one that caused the two recent illnesses in Washington residents. At this time, there are no known illnesses associated with the strain found in the milk products.

Washington State Case Information

Washington residents from two counties have been included in this outbreak including Grays Harbor (1) and Pierce (1).

Recalled Products

Cozy Vale Creamery raw milk and cream products with best by dates of 2/18/24 though 2/29/24. These products, were bottled in gallon, half-gallon, quart, and pint containers and sold t in Western Washington.

Local health partners visited the retail stores that sold the raw milk and ensured all locations had removed the recalled products from sale.

Cozy Vale Creamery recall notice, WSDA

The investigation is ongoing, and we may identify additional links to products as we continue to gather information from new cases. DOH will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Advice to Consumers
• If you have the recalled Cozy Vale Creamery products at home, do not drink or use them and throw them away.
• E. coli infections can cause serious complications. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps and blood in the stool.
• If you notice symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, contact your health care provider right away.
Advice to Retailers
• Do not sell or serve the recalled product.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with these products.

About Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC)

E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Many strains of E. coli bacteria exist, and most of them are harmless or beneficial to human health. STEC are strains of E. coli that produce Shiga toxin (such as E. coli O157:H7) and can cause serious illness in people.

Symptoms of E. coli Infection

People usually get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 2 to 8 days (average of 3 to 4 days) after swallowing the germ. Symptoms often include:
• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Low grade fever (less than 101ºF/38.5ºC)

Some people with a STEC infection may get a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include decreased urine production, dark or tea-colored urine, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

Prevention

• Avoid eating high-risk foods, especially undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or juice, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, or sprouts.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure that ground beef has reached a safe internal temperature of 160° F.
• Thoroughly wash fresh produce before eating.
• Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food, after diapering infants, and after contact with cows, sheep, or goats, their food or treats, or their living environment.
Public Health Partners

DOH works closely with local health jurisdictions to collect data from interviews of sick individuals to help identify common exposures between the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and other partner agencies on this type of outbreak investigation.

The investigation process can be long and complex. Only those who are severely ill tend to visit a healthcare provider and get tested, and each step of the process takes time.

Sometimes people don’t get sick until several days after they eat food containing E. coli bacteria. It can take a lot of time and effort to test samples from people who are ill, interview them for a detailed history of foods they’ve eaten and look for commonalities between cases.

I have know the folks at Organic Pastures, now know as Raw Milk LLC, since 2006 when I represented two young children who developed acute kidney failure due to E. coli it raw milk. I have also sued the recently in a Salmonella outbreak due to its heavy cream.

As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states – California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024. Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese. This percentage was significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating any raw milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese.

CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing. Recalled Raw Cheddar blocks and shredded cheese products:

Sold at retailers nationwide.

  • Original Flavor: all sizes of blocks and shredded packages
  • Cheddar with added Jalapeño Flavor: all sizes of blocks and shredded packages

San Diego – 12 with Salmonella: County of San Diego health officials are reporting three additional cases of Salmonella illness linked to unpasteurized or “raw” milk from a producer in Fresno, CA.   

This brings the total number of local cases to 12, including three people who were hospitalized. The cases began in late September and the most recent person became ill on Oct. 17. 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a recall of Raw Farm milk and heavy cream Oct. 24, and a PDF that contains the specific product identification numbers with “best by” dates between Oct. 11 and Nov. 6. Additional raw milk products were not recalled.   

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency urges anyone who may have recently purchased Raw Farm LLC raw milk to not consume it and discard the product. 

The illnesses have been caused by Salmonella bacteria, which is commonly found in human and animal intestines. The 12 San Diego County residents who became ill have reported consuming Raw Farm LLC raw milk the week before they became ill. Cases in other parts of the state are being tracked by CDPH and other local health departments. 

Orange County – 7 with Salmonella: The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has identified seven cases of Salmonella illness in Orange County (OC) residents following consumption of unpasteurized or “raw” milk from Raw Farm LLC, which recently issued a recall of its raw whole milk and raw heavy creams products.

The HCA urges those who may have purchased raw whole milk or raw heavy cream products from Raw Farm LLC to not consume the products and discard them immediately. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming raw milk or products made from raw milk, particularly products from Raw Farm LLC, should seek medical care immediately.

All confirmed cases had illness onset within the past 30 days, with affected individuals ranging in age from one to 20 years old. The HCA continues to investigate the situation in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The HCA is also reaching out to stores in the county who may be selling these products to assure that they are aware of the recall.

2023 Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:
May 2023 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
August 2023 Salmonella Cheese Recall 

Here is bit(e) of history:

Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) & Raw Farm 
Started OPDC in 2000 – Changed name to Raw Farm LLC in 2020

Organic Pastures Dairy Company Recalls and Outbreaks:
September 2006 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 6 ill/2 HUS 
September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria Recall
December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak: 8 ill 
September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall
November 2011 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 5 ill/3 HUS 
May 2012 Campylobacter Raw Milk/Cream Outbreak: 10 ill, reported illnesses from Jan. thru April
October 2015 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
January 2016 E.coli Raw Milk Outbreak: 9 ill/2 HUS

As of February 16, 2024, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from four states – California, Utah, Colorado and Texas. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 18, 2023, to January 29, 2024. Of 9 people with information available, 4 have been hospitalized and 1 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 8 people interviewed, 6 (75%) reported eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese. This percentage was significantly higher than the 4.9% of respondents who reported eating any raw milk cheese in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. This difference suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from eating RAW FARM LLC brand raw cheddar cheese.

CDC advises people not to eat, sell, or serve RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.

This dairy, formerly know as Organic Pastures Dairy has been linked to several recalls and outbreaks in the past.

Organic Pastures Dairy Company Recalls and Outbreaks:
September 2006 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 6 ill/2 HUS 
September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria Recall
December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak: 8 ill 
September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall
November 2011 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 5 ill/3 HUS 
May 2012 Campylobacter Raw Milk/Cream Outbreak: 10 ill, reported illnesses from Jan. thru April
October 2015 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
January 2016 E.coli Raw Milk Outbreak: 9 ill/2 HUS
 
Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:
May 2023 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
August 2023 Salmonella Cheese Recall
October 2023 Salmonella Raw Milk Outbreak
San Diego County—12 illnesses 
Orange County—7 illnesses

And a bit more history (2008):

The Kerman-based dairy that has been linked to bacterial illnesses and recalls, on Monday agreed to plead guilty to shipping misbranded food — in this case, raw milk labeled for pet use that instead was consumed by people — across state lines. According to the Fresno Bee – In a plea agreement filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Fresno, Organic Pastures agreed to, among other things:

1) Organic Pastures Dairy in Kerman is one of only two raw-milk producers in California, 2) Stop shipping unpasteurized raw milk across state lines, 3) Put a notice on its Web site within two weeks that it no longer will sell raw-milk products outside of California, 4) Notify, in writing, any out-of-state customers from the past year that the dairy no longer will offer raw milk or raw-milk products, and 5) Allow the federal Food and Drug Administration to, without prior notice, make inspections of the dairy.

Perhaps more disturbing are these comments by Mr. McAfee on the Complete Patient:

Let me be very clear….

I am not a pacifist and there is a tipping point at which activism and defense of the rights of my home, my food, my freedom and my family takes precidence over peaceful politically appropriate action with cameras and playing along while you get raped. . . .

Another Wounded Knee, Ruby Ridge or Waco could easily happen in America because of police abuse, massive unemployment, corruption, Wallstreet rip offs, denial of the right to food etc. . . . 

I also believe that each and every mentally and emotionally stable free American should know how to shoot and shoot well and that those Americans that choose to do so should own a gun and appreciate its place in history and freedom. On of my fondest memories was visiting Switzerland in 1983 and seeing a youth with a machine gun on his back going to the shooting range on a moped. I thought to myself….no body will ever mess with his rights. Homes in Switzerland have huge machine SIG guns and everyone knows how to use them. There is little violence in that land and the crime rate is nill. Cops thoughtfully enter homes after asking politely and do not brandish weapons like Miami Vice. . . .

I shoot and own guns….but you will never see them displayed or used against cops or any person. Until the tipping point. At that point my life is then the value which must be laid down in the balance and it is worth giving in trade. . . . Remember, those that live by the sward can also die by it. If you raise a gun in anger expect to pay a dear price at some point. 

Mark McAfee