Agriculture Department Warns Consumers of Tainted Raw Milk Sold by Berks County Dairy

14/05/07 Consumers who have purchased raw milk from Misty Meadow Farm in Bernville, Berks County, any time after April 16 should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria contamination, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized.

"During routine inspection of the dairy, a preliminary test showed the presence of Listeria bacteria in some raw milk samples," said Wolff. "If consumers have raw milk from this farm, they should discard it immediately."

There have been no illnesses reported as a result of the potential contamination but if people who consumed the raw milk become ill, they should consult their physicians.

The Department of Agriculture has suspended sales of raw milk at the dairy and is ensuring that corrective action is taken. Samples were taken from the farm during routine testing on May 7 and tested positive for Listeria on May 10.

Multiple laboratory samples must test negative before sales can resume.

Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches and, sometimes, 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.