For the second time in two weeks, Salmonella has been detected in dairy products originating from Organic Pastures Dairy. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Fresno, California-based company recalled its raw milk and cream on Monday, May 23rd as a result of those test results.
CDFA Imposes Raw Milk Recall and Quarantine Order on Organic Pastures Dairy for Positive Salmonella Tests — Again.
According to a news release by CDFA, “Raw milk and cream produced by Organic Pastures Dairy of Fresno County with a code date of June 1, 2016 is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones. The quarantine order followed the confirmed detection of Salmonella bacteria in raw whole milk and raw skim milk.”
The Salmonella was detected by CDFA testing in the company’s Raw Heavy Cream, Raw Whole Milk and Raw Skim Milk. The tests, which were conducted as a follow-up to tests that previously showed positive results for the bacteria, were conducted on products with a “USE BY” date of June 1, 2015.
CDFA was conducting the tests as a follow-up to a recent recall by Organic Pastures Dairy of many of the same products. On May 9th – exactly two weeks prior to the present recall – the company’s products bearing a “USE BY” date of May 18th were recalled.
The recall that occurred two weeks ago was also due to positive Salmonella tests. No illnesses have been reported due to consumption of the Salmonella-contaminated milk at this time.
The California agency issued a strong recommendation that consumers dispose of any of the product that may remain in their refrigerators. Additionally, pursuant to the recall, stores are required to pull all Organic Pastures Dairy raw cream, raw skim milk, and raw milk with the “USE BY” date of JUN 01 2016 from their shelves.
Organic Pastures Dairy is the largest distributor of raw dairy products in the United States.
Signs and Symptoms of Salmonella
According to the CDC, the onset of Salmonella symptoms typically take place between 12 and 72 hours after an individual first consumes the contaminated food or is otherwise infected with the bacteria.
Common symptoms included diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, which on average four to seven days. While the illness will resolve itself in most infected individuals, occasionally the diarrhea becomes so severe that hospitalization is required.
In the most severe cases, the bacteria may pass to the bloodstream, and then pass to other sites in the body. Children under the age of five, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most likely to develop this form of severe illness, which must be treated with antibiotics.
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