The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent warning for consumers to discard Byers Organic Dairy brand raw milk purchased between July 8 and July 10, 2025, due to contamination with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria. The affected products, sold in plastic half-gallon and gallon containers at the dairy’s store (10139 Church Hill Road, Mercersburg), carry sell-by dates of July 22 and July 23, 2025.
Recall Details
Routine testing by state inspectors confirmed the presence of the dangerous pathogen, prompting immediate removal of the products from store shelves. However, officials note the dairy could not provide a customer purchase list, complicating direct consumer notifications. The recall is classified as Class I by health authorities, indicating a “reasonable probability” of serious health consequences from consumption.
Health Risks
Shigatoxin-producing E. coli can cause severe illnesses, including:
- Bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps
- Urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia and sepsis
Children under five, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals face elevated risks for complications. Symptoms typically emerge within 3 to 4 days of exposure but may appear up to two weeks later.
Current Status and Recommendations
As of July 16, 2025, no illnesses linked to this contamination have been reported. The Department urges anyone who consumed the milk and experiences symptoms to seek medical care immediately. Additionally, consumers should:
- Check their refrigerators for containers matching the recall dates.
- Destroy the milk or return it to the store for disposal.
Broader Context
This incident yet again highlights ongoing debates about raw milk safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently warns that unpasteurized dairy carries inherent risks of pathogen exposure, as pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria. Pennsylvania permits raw milk sales under strict testing protocols, but this is the state’s second major raw dairy recall in 2025, following a June Campylobacter contamination at another farm.
Beyond Pennsylvania, other states have issued recalls and health alerts for the last several months due to contaminated raw milk, including:
- Health alert for Listeria-contaminated raw milk in New York state
- Raw milk recall in California due to Campylobacter contamination
Leading nationwide E. coli law firm Ron Simon & Associates says that, for further guidance, consumers may consult the CDC’s resources on raw milk risks.
