QUARANTINE OF FRESNO COUNTY RAW MILK PRODUCER EXTENDS TO RAW BUTTER, RAW BUTTERMILK AND RAW WHEY

Raw milk, cream and colostrum previously under quarantine; 4th illness linked to products

SACRAMENTO – The recall and quarantine order against Organic Pastures of Fresno County, a producer of raw milk products, has been extended specifically to raw butter, raw buttermilk, and raw whey, and extended generally to all raw dairy and colostrum products except for aged cheese. That’s in addition to raw milk, raw cream and raw colostrum stated in a recall and quarantine order announced Thursday. The regulatory action will remain in effect until further notice.

In addition, the California Department of Health Services has linked a fourth case of E. coli 0157:H7 illness to Organic Pastures raw milk products. Epidemiologic data links the illness of an 8-year old San Diego County boy to Organic Pastures raw cow colostrum. 

The investigation into the E. coli 0157:H7 cases will continue through the weekend. CDFA will issue additional updates as information becomes available. 

It is not believed there is any connection with the recent E. coli 0157:H7 contamination in fresh spinach. Typing of lab samples from one of the children shows a different strain than the one found in the spinach outbreak. 
 
E. coli infection often causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody.  There is usually little or no fever, and the illness typically resolves itself in five to ten days. A small percentage of infected individuals also develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure may occur. Those most at risk for serious complications of this food-borne illness include young children and the elderly. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.