Outbreak Alert: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Heber Valley Raw Milk

Officials linked a Wasatch County, Utah raw milk distributor – Heber Valley – to nine cases of Salmonella Saintpaul this week.

Heber Valley Milk Linked to Raw Milk Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak

The nine patients all consumed raw milk at Heber Valley Milk between March 20th and August 14th, 2016, according to health officials.

On August 23rd, a sample of Heber Valley Milk taken by a Utah Department of Agriculture and Food inspector tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella, Salmonella Saintpaul. Because a subsequent test showed negative results for the pathogen, Heber Valley Milk resumed sales with the approval of the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Symptoms of Salmonella, which include abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, generally appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria.

“In some cases Salmonella bacteria can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites,” said Dr. Allyn Nakashima, State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health. “These infections are very serious and should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. If you develop severe vomiting or diarrhea after drinking raw milk, you should consult your health care provider.”

“Raw Milk”: Not the Same as “Organic Milk”

In most states, Raw Milk cannot be sold directly to the public, and the numerous outbreaks have led to many Salmonella lawsuits, E. coli lawsuits, and other food borne pathogen lawsuits.

“Organic milk” is differs from “raw milk.” Raw milk product has not been pasteurized. Organic milk that has been pasteurized – and most of it has – is generally safe to drink.

Pasteurization involves heating milk to 161 degrees for 15 seconds to kill harmful organisms found in raw milk, including bacteria (e.g. Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157), parasites, and viruses. The hundred-year-old process destroys the pathogens through simple heat. For more information, the CDC has a very comprehensive site devoted to the risks of raw milk: http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-index.html (and we’re always available to answer questions as well!)

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with Salmonella and you would like to explore pursuing a legal claim, contact an attorney at Ron Simon & Associates for a free case evaluation by calling 1-888-335-4901 or filling out our free case evaluation form.