State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today advised consumers who purchased raw milk from Stump Acres Dairy of New Salem, York County, to immediately discard the raw milk and any products made with the raw milk due to potential salmonella contamination.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Consumers who reported drinking raw milk purchased from the dairy in July experienced gastrointestinal illness and have been diagnosed with salmonella. A recent laboratory test result confirmed the presence of salmonella in raw milk at the dairy.

The departments of Agriculture and Health have asked Stump Acres Dairy to halt all sales of raw milk immediately.

In February and March, raw milk purchased at Stump Acres Dairy was linked to cases of infection with salmonella typhimurium and sales were suspended.

The shelf-life for raw milk is about 14 days but can be longer if the milk is frozen. Freezing of the milk will not kill the salmonella bacteria.

Individuals who drank raw milk purchased from Stump Acres Dairy and became ill are advised to consult with their physician. If no illness occurred, it is not necessary to seek medical attention.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and can sometimes affect the bloodstream and other organs. It is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, which can include diarrhea and vomiting. Approximately 2,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in Pennsylvania.

Onset of illness usually occurs in 24 to 72 hours and patients typically recover in a week or less. Patients often do not require treatment unless they become severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. People with severe diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines.

For more information about salmonella, visit the Department of Health at or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

CONTACT: Christopher Ryder, Agriculture
(717) 787-5085
Dan Miller, Health
(717) 787-1783