Return to WSDA Home  |  Return to News Release Page

WSDA warns about contaminated raw milk from Shaw Island

OLYMPIA – Consumers who have purchased raw milk from Our Lady of the Rock Dairy on Shaw Island, San Juan County, during the week of April 7 should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria contamination, Agriculture Director Valoria Loveland said today.

A routine sample of the unpasteurized milk from the dairy was taken April 7 and found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The dairy operation was notified of the laboratory test results on Thursday, April 17.

“If consumers have raw milk from Our Lady of the Rock Dairy, they should discard it immediately,” said Loveland.

As of today, no illnesses have been reported as a result of the contamination. Should people who have consumed the raw milk become ill, they should 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 www.agr.wa.gov/foodanimal/dairy.

# # #