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November 16, 2011 (San Diego) – Raw milk products produced by Organic Pastures have been recalled and quarantined statewide by the California Department of Public Health after five children who drank the milk became infected with the same strain of E.coli. A San Diego County child was among those stricken.
Three of the youngsters were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which causes kidney failure.The other illnesses occurred in Contra Costas, Kings, and Sacramento counties.
The Fresno-based manufacturer’s products were distributed statewide. Consumers are urged to throw away any products in their refrigerators. In addition to milk, the recall order also affects Organic Pastures raw butter, raw cream, raw colustrum, and Qephor. The only product allowed to remain on store shelves is Organic Pastures cheese, which is aged over 60 days. The company is banned from producing additional raw milk products for sale until further notice.
Raw milk means that the beverage has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria. Raw milk in California must carry a warning label stating that it may contain disease-causing micro organisms. Those at highest risk are newborns, infants, the elderly, pregnant women, patients taking corticosteroids, antibiotics or antacids, those with chronic illnesses or conditions that weaken immunities.
Symptoms of E. coli infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea which is often bloody. Though most infected people recover within a week, some require hospitalization. Report symptoms of E-coli infection after consuming raw milk products should consult their health care providers; physicians should report suspected cases of HUS or E.Coli to the local health department.
State inspectors are investigating all facets of operations from cows to bottling plants at Organic Pastures. Before the ban is lifted, the facility must meet all state sanitation requirements and have raw milk products tested to ensure compliance.
Comments
But FDA says their milk was all clean (even milk @ kid's house)
If you do a search on MSNBC or google news you'll see that the feds said ALL milk was clean. Even the milk the kids drank that was in their fridge. No e.coli. So this begs the question; where did they get infected? very strange.