Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture warns against tainted milk

The Pennsylvania State Department of Agriculture is warning consumers to discard tainted raw milk because of a potential listeria contamination. A dairy based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has sold the raw, whole milk that may cause consumers to become ill.

Pool Forge Dairy sold the milk from April 25 to May 7. Milk was sold in plastic containers, including quart, half-gallon, and gallon sizes. All the tainted milk was labeled as Pool Forge. The milk may cause illness as it is potentially contaminated by listeria, as discovered when a routine sampling tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The milk was sold at Pool Forge Dairy at 201 Bridgeville Road, Shady Maple Market at 1324 Main Street, and Hoover’s Farm Market at 1719 Main Street. All three locations are in East Earl Township in northeastern Lancaster County.

No illnesses have been reported yet, but consumers who have purchased the raw, whole milk between April 23 and May 7 should not drink it. The potentially contaminated milk should be disposed of properly.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause Listeriosis, an illness which has symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Listeriosis mainly affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or stillbirth.

Unlike other strains of bacteria, listeriosis multiplies in foods stored in the refrigerator. Pasteurization and thorough cooking are the most effective methods of killing the bacteria and preventing infection.

For more information about the tainted raw, whole milk and about listeria, please contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.