Milk E. coli Recall: Raw milk sold in Washington recalled as potential health risk
A recall of raw whole milk, skim milk, and cream has been initiated after the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) discovered the presence of e. coli when testing samples of the milk. Dungeness Valley Creamery is working with the WSDA on the recall of raw whole milk, skim milk, and cream that may be contaminated with e. coli.
The recall affects Dungeness Valley Creamery retail raw whole milk, skim milk, and cream displaying Best By dates of 4/6 through 4/20. WSDA found e. coli in a retail raw whole milk sample dated 4/6. The recalled milk products, bottled in gallon, half-gallon, quart, and pint containers, were sold to customers and retail stores in Western Washington.
Anyone who has purchased Dungeness Valley Creamery retail raw whole milk, skim milk, and cream with Be Add Stock Photost By dates of 4/6 through 4/20 should not drink the product but should dispose it or properly or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
E. coli infections can 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. In some cases, the infection causes hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed resulting in kidney failure.
WSDA warns that, although retail raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, the potential health risks are serious. 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.