According to published reports, the number of confirmed illnesses in a campylobacter outbreak has climbed to 12, including 8 persons from Pennyslvania and 4 in Maryland. The outbreak was first announced by the Pennyslvania Department of Health on January 27, 2012.
All of the ill persons consumed raw milk from Shankstead EcoFarm in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The milk is traded under the name The Family Cow.
The farm owner is reported as saying that raw milk samples that the farm sent last week to QC Labs “tested negative for pathogens.”
According to the online version of the Chambersburg Public Opinion:
Testing of the product is still underway at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture which will update the situation daily, according to a spokeswoman. A formal recall has not been announced, but the health departments recommend people discard any produce purchased from the farm after Jan. 1. Results from the Department of Agriculture testing are not expected until Wednesday or Thursday.
The raw, or unpasteurized, milk from The Family Cow is sold at its dairy at 3854 Olde Scotland Road, as well as various locations across the state including Pure & Simple Cafe in Greencastle, Paul’s Country Market in Waynesboro,The Healthy Grocer in Camp Hill and Appalachian Whole Foods Market in Carlisle.
The farm has a permit to sell raw milk in Pennsylvania. Raw milk is not permitted to be sold legally in many states. For more information see www.realrawmilkfacts.com.