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WSDA warns about contaminated Shaw Island raw milk

OLYMPIA – Consumers who have purchased raw milk from Our Lady of the Rock on Shaw Island, San Juan County, during the week of April 29 should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria contamination.

A routine sample of the unpasteurized milk from the dairy was taken April 30 and found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The dairy operation was notified of the laboratory test results on Friday, May 11.

As of today, no illnesses have been reported as a result of the contamination. Individuals who have consumed the raw milk and become ill are advised to consult their physician or their local health department.

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions can occur.

Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, but infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Symptoms of Listeriosis can appear in four days to three weeks.

Unpasteurized milk from a licensed dairy is a legal product in Washington, but bottled raw milk must include a warning label that informs the consumer of the health risks associated with its consumption. More information about raw milk can be found at http://www.agr.wa.gov/foodanimal/dairy/.
 

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