Washington state dairy recalls raw goat milk after E. coli test

A dairy on Vashon Island, WA, is recalling raw goat milk after state officials detected toxin-producing E. coli in a sample. Burton Hill Farm & Dairy sold the raw goat milk that is now under recall between June 22 and 29. It is labeled with sell-by dates of June 29 and July 1, 2016.

“Burton Hill Farm & Dairy and the WSDA (Washington State Department of Agriculture) are continuing their investigation into the sources of the problem. Burton Hill Farm & Dairy is choosing not to sell or distribute raw goat milk until the source of the contamination is found,” according to the recall notice.

“The E. coli was found in a milk sample from a batch of goat milk that was not sold to the public. However, it is possible that other subsequent batches could contain the harmful bacteria. From those subsequent milkings, nine quarts of the raw goat milk were sold at the Phinney Farmers Market and one quart at the Vashon Farmers Market.”

As of the initiation of the recall on Wednesday, Burton Hill officials were not aware of any illnesses in connection with their recalled milk.

“Consumers who have purchased the recalled raw goat milk are urged not to drink the milk and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have any questions about the recall, please call the company at 206-940-6805,” the recall notice states.

Although it is legal to sell unpasteurized, raw milk at retail locations in Washington state, health officials warn there are serious potential health risks if that milk is contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Consumers should read the warning label on retail raw milk containers in the state.

Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled unpasteurized raw milk and developed symptoms of E. coli infection is advised to seek medical attention.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but they can take as long as nine days to appear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider.

The infection sometimes causes hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

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