Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Raw Milk Larger than First Reported
The California Department of Public Health released an updated report revealing a salmonella outbreak linked to raw milk from Raw Farm LLC in Fresno County, California was larger than first reported. The outbreak, identified in San Diego County on October 18, 2023, initially involved eight salmonellosis cases but ultimately grew to encompass a much broader health crisis, according to The Fresno Bee.
The report, released on October 15, 2024, documented 171 total salmonella infections across five states: California, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Of these cases, 159 were confirmed and 12 were classified as probable. Illness onset dates ranged from September 21, 2023, through March 11, 2024, with the majority concentrated in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
California counties experiencing confirmed cases included:
- Los Angeles and San Diego (majority of cases)
- Stanislaus County – four cases
- Fresno County – three cases
- Kings County – two cases
- Madera County – two cases
- San Joaquin County – two cases
Mark McAfee, Raw Milk LLC’s founder, acknowledged the milk’s connection to the outbreak. He confirmed identifying and removing a cow infected with salmonella and subsequently installing specialized pathogen detection equipment.
The outbreak has resulted in multiple lawsuits filed on behalf of several affected people with detailed and significant medical consequences suffered by the victims, including emergency room visits, painful abdominal cramps, fever, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches
One victim accumulated medical expenses exceeding $170,000. Others continue experiencing ongoing bowel complications months after initial infection. Two of those affected required hospitalization for over a week.
McAfee expressed openness to compensating affected individuals while suggesting some claims might be exaggerated. The dairy has implemented enhanced screening methods to prevent future contamination.
Raw Farm LLC, recognized as one of the nation’s leading raw milk suppliers, has also been linked to recent avian flu cases in humans and pets, further highlighting potential food safety concerns.
On December 5, Food Poisoning News reported that the California Department of Food and Agriculture suspended Raw Farm’s raw milk distribution following detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in milk samples from the business.
Raw Farm had previously recalled two raw milk batches in recent weeks after the Santa Clara Public Health Department tests detected bird flu.
National, state, and local health authorities continue to closely monitor what has been a rapidly developing situation this year. All health agencies have stressed the potential risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Medical professionals recommend seeking immediate medical attention for individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with foodborne illness.
Recall of Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Milk Due to Bird Flu Contamination
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued a statewide recall and quarantine order for raw milk produced by Valley Milk Simply Bottled in Stanislaus County after detecting the Influenza-A H5N1 (bird flu) virus in milk samples.
The recall covers two product lines:
- Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Cow Milk
- DESI Milk Raw Cow Milk
Affected products include quart (32 oz), half-gallon (64 oz), and one-gallon (128 oz) plastic jugs with code dates ranging from December 23, 2024, to December 30, 2024. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers are strongly advised to discard any remaining products and retailers are instructed to remove these items from shelves immediately.
Bird flu infection in humans can manifest through various symptoms, including eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and fever.
While raw milk sales remain legal in California with strict regulations, public health experts consistently warn about potential health risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products. Raw milk products are required to carry warning labels indicating potential pathogen presence.
Historically, raw dairy products have been linked to outbreaks involving multiple harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, toxin-producing E. coli, brucella, and campylobacter.
Pasteurization, a critical food safety process, involves heating milk to specific temperatures to eliminate dangerous microorganisms and enzymes. This method effectively kills bird flu virus and other harmful germs, rendering pasteurized milk safe for consumption.
The CDFA is collaborating with the USDA and local and state partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals. The current incident is part of a broader national investigation following the disease’s initial emergence in 2022.
Extensive testing is being conducted throughout California, with quarantine boundaries established to protect both animal and human health.
The California Department of Public Health continues to recommend consuming only pasteurized milk and dairy products to minimize health risks.
Consumers with questions or concerns are advised to contact local health authorities or the dairy producer directly for additional information.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading Salmonella lawyer said, “Drinking milk that has been pasteurized remains the safest form of consumption. Not only does pasteurization kill the bird flu virus, but also many other deadly pathogens.”
