New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball has issued a public warning regarding contaminated raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC, a dairy located in Schuyler County. Testing has revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni in the raw milk, a bacterium that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While no illnesses have been confirmed at this time, the producer has been prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent testing confirms it is free of the harmful bacteria. The department advises consumers who have purchased raw milk from Sunset View Creamery LLC to dispose of it immediately and contact the farm for further information. It is important to note that pasteurization, a process that kills bacteria responsible for various illnesses, is not present in raw milk. As a result, federal and state public health officials strongly discourage the consumption of raw milk and its products.
Warning About Contaminated Raw Milk
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New York warns public about contaminated raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC
New York’s Agriculture Commissioner, Richard Ball, has issued a public warning regarding the consumption of raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC, a dairy located in Schuyler County. This warning comes as testing has revealed that the raw milk from this dairy is contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni, a harmful bacteria.
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Background Information
The testing of raw milk samples collected by the Department of Agriculture inspector revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni. The producer of the raw milk was notified of a preliminary positive test result on September 12, 2023. Further laboratory testing, completed on September 18, 2023, confirmed the contamination. As a result, the producer is prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of the harmful bacteria.
Sunset View Creamer LLC Raw Milk Risk
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Positive Test Results
The samples of raw milk collected and tested from Sunset View Creamer LLC were found to contain Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria known to cause severe illness in humans. This positive test result indicates that the raw milk is contaminated and poses a risk to public health.
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Prohibition of Sale
In light of the positive test results for Campylobacter jejuni contamination, the producer, Sunset View Creamer LLC, is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling confirms that the product is free of this harmful bacteria. This prohibition is necessary to protect consumers from the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated raw milk.
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Consumer Disposal and Contact
The New York Department of Agriculture recommends that consumers who have purchased raw milk from Sunset View Creamery LLC immediately dispose of it. The contaminated raw milk should be discarded in a way that prevents accidental consumption by humans or animals. Additionally, consumers are advised to contact the farm at 607-594-2095 for further instructions or assistance.
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Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection
Consumers who have consumed raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC may be at risk of Campylobacter infection. Symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection typically include diarrhea, often accompanied by blood, fever, stomach cramps, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after ingestion of the bacteria and can last for about one week. In some cases, Campylobacter infections can lead to complications such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis, and arthritis. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to severe infections that may even be life-threatening.
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Importance of Pasteurization
The warning emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of milk and milk products. Pasteurization is a process that involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time to kill bacteria and harmful microorganisms. This process is internationally recognized as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including campylobacteriosis. Pasteurization eliminates the bacteria responsible for illnesses such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. In contrast, raw milk does not undergo pasteurization and may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illnesses.
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Warnings from FDA and CDC
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state public health officials have long issued warnings against consuming raw milk and its products. The risks associated with raw milk consumption, including the potential for bacterial contamination, have been well-documented. These organizations advise against consuming raw milk due to the numerous illnesses and diseases that can result from bacterial contamination. The current warning regarding the contaminated raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC aligns with these existing warnings and serves to further highlight the importance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of milk products.
In conclusion, the discovery of Campylobacter jejuni contamination in raw milk from Sunset View Creamer LLC in New York has prompted a public warning from the Agriculture Commissioner. Consumers are advised to dispose of any raw milk purchased from this dairy and to contact the farm for further guidance. The importance of pasteurization in preventing foodborne illnesses is emphasized, as well as the existing warnings against consuming raw milk from various health organizations. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk and to prioritize their health and safety by choosing pasteurized milk products.
