Pure Eire Dairy Recalls Yogurt Products Due to Serious E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak
On May 14, 2021, Pure Eire Dairy recalled its PCC Organic Grass-Fed brand Yogurt due to the suspected presence of E. coli O157:H7. Pure Eire Dairy is a family-owned 100% Grass-Fed dairy operation based in Washington State. On May 15, 2021, the Washington State Department of Health confirmed the connection between PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy and an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. All 8-OZ and 16-OZ PCC Community Market brand yogurt flavors, as well as PCC Deli products which contain the concerned PCC Organic Grass-Fed Yogurt including, Yogurt (salad bar), Butter Chicken (hot bar and to-go casseroles), Spicy Yellow Curry Chicken (hot bar and to-go casseroles), Tzatziki Sauce (grain bowl bar, to-go spreads), and Sticky Toffee Pudding (refrigerated desserts), have been recalled until further notice. Anyone in possession of these products are strongly encouraged to discard them and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces which they may have come into contact with.
E. coli infection causes symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and even bloody stools. Most people are able to recover from an E. coli infection within a week, though young children, elderly persons, or those with immune systems may experience more serious onset of illness, sometimes leading to severe complications and even death.
There have been 11 confirmed cases caused by the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Pure Eire Dairy, 6 of whom are children under the age of ten, infected with genetically linked bacteria. The counties in Washington with confirmed cases of related E. coli illness are as follows: Benton (1), King (8), Snohomish (1) and Walla Walla (1). Unfortunately, this outbreak has caused serious illness in most of those infected, leading to 7 hospitalizations, 3 of which have developed a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause serious damage to the kidneys and other organs.
Pure Eire Dairy is working with the state Department of Agriculture to identify any other products which should be recalled. As this is not the first E. coli contamination which has occurred at Pure Eire Dairy, company practices and protocols will have to undergo extensive investigation, as well require the company to present a plan of action to prevent contaminations from occurring in the future.
