The Department of Agriculture is recommending that consumers who have purchased raw milk from Stump Acres Dairy farm in New Salem, York County, discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria Monocytogenes contamination, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized. Pennsylvania law allows farms to sell raw milk, but requires they obtain permits and be inspected to reduce health risks associated with the unpasteurized products.

In 2007, the Department of Agriculture revoked Stump Acres' permit after the Department of Health identified several individuals who had become sick after consuming raw milk from the dairy. State inspectors found that the dairy has begun selling raw milk again without a permit.

"During an investigation of the dairy, inspectors purchased raw milk which preliminary tests indicate may contain Listeria Monocytogenes," said Wolff. "If consumers have purchased raw milk from this farm, we advise they should discard it immediately."

Wolff recommended that any products made from the raw milk, including hard or soft cheeses, should also be discarded.

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

Samples were taken from the farm on June 12, and preliminary tests showed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes on June 20. Final test results will be available Monday, June 23.

Symptoms of Listeriosis are 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.

CONTACT: Chris L. Ryder

(717) 787-5085