Warning on consumption of raw milk sold by York County dairy

Apr 2 2007

State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson has advised consumers who purchased raw milk from Stump Acres Dairy of New Salem, York County, after March 19 to consider not consuming the raw milk due to possible health concerns.

A consumer who drank raw milk purchased from the dairy after March 19 experienced gastrointestinal illness. As a result, Stump Acres Dairy voluntarily stopped raw milk sales on March 27 as a precautionary measure.

In February, raw milk purchased at Stump Acres Dairy was linked to eight cases of infection with Salmonella Typhimurium and sales were suspended on March 2. On March 19, the dairy resumed raw milk sales following testing, cleaning and additional inspection.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. The shelf-life for raw milk is about 14 days but can be longer if the milk is frozen. 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.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and can sometimes affect the bloodstream and other organs. It is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, which can include diarrhea and vomiting. Approximately 2,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in Pennsylvania.

Onset of illness usually occurs in 24 to 72 hours and patients typically recover in a week or less. Patients often do not require treatment unless they become severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. People with severe diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines.

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us