Washington dairy is back in the spotlight for pathogens in raw milk; recall issued

A Washington dairy company has recalled raw milk due to E. coli contamination. Earlier this month, raw milk from the same dairy was linked to Campylobacter jejuni infections.

This week, Old Silvana Creamery of Arlington, WA, recalled their Jim’s Jerseys raw milk after state health officials discovered E. coli contamination during routine testing.

All Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with the best buy date of August 23 has been recalled. The products do not have an expiration date.

According to state officials in Washington, Old Silvana Creamery has its milk routinely tested by an independent laboratory, and samples of Jim’s Jerseys with a best buy date of August 23 tested negative for toxin-producing E.coli.

“However, the sample of Jim’s Jerseys with the same best buy date of August 23, taken by the Washington State Department of Agriculture during their routine testing, tested positive for toxin-producing E.coli,” according to a public notice from the department. .

At the time the notice was posted, the dairy was not aware of any E. coli illnesses associated with the recalled milk. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that many E. coli infections go unreported because some patients do not seek medical attention and others are not specifically tested for E. coli infections.

Jim’s Jerseys raw milk affected by the recall was sold in half-gallon and gallon containers. Recalled raw milk was sold through both the farm store and retail stores to customers in Western Washington.

Consumers who purchased Jim’s Jerseys raw milk with a best purchase date of August 23 are urged not to drink the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 425-268-7961.

Old Silvana Creamery and the Washington Department of Agriculture are continuing their investigation into the cause of the problem.

Earlier this month, Washington state officials announced that Jim’s Jerseys milk from the Old Sivana Creamery was responsible for an outbreak of infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni. The patients became ill in July after drinking unpasteurized milk produced by Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington, WA, according to the state Agriculture Department.

In 2015 and 2017 respectively, Silvana Creamery recalled its raw milk due to Campylobacter and E. coli contamination.

“Raw milk is a food with a high risk of causing disease because it is not heat treated (pasteurized) to kill germs that can make people sick. Campylobacter jejuni and other bacteria can occur naturally in cattle manure, which can contaminate milk during production. . . Consumers who drink milk are encouraged to drink only pasteurized milk.” according to the health department.

“In Washington State, there have been at least 11 outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption between 2005 and 2024. These outbreaks were caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (7), Campylobacter (3) and Salmonella (1).

Raw milk production in Washington is regulated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

The agriculture department collects routine samples from the farm every month, including screening for pathogens. For more information on how WSDA regulates dairy, click here.

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 permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Anyone of any age can become very ill or even die if they drink raw milk contaminated with harmful germs. The risk of serious illness is greater for infants and young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk for serious illness, according to the state health department.

Washington requires raw milk to be labeled to warn buyers of known dangers associated with raw milk consumption so they can make informed choices about purchasing these products. Due to the associated risks of selling raw milk, 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 retail location:

“WARNING: This product is not pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with reduced resistance to disease are at greatest risk of harm from using this product.”

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

“Warning: Raw milk or food prepared from raw milk may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness. Contact your local health authority for advice or to report a suspected illness.”

About E.coli infections
Anyone who has consumed raw milk from Silvana Creamery, sold under the Jim’s Jerseys brand, and developed symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell his or her doctor about possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are needed to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other diseases.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary from person to person, but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others may develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, minor unexplained bruising or bleeding, and paleness.

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injury or death. This condition can occur in people of any age, but is most common in children under five years of age due to their immature immune systems, in older adults due to a deteriorating immune system, and in people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients.

People who experience HUS symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS are likely to be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and persistent problems, such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.