Sigmon Dairy of Rochester, WA, is recalling retail raw whole milk with Best By dates March 4 through March 12 because it may be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.
The recall was initiated after routine sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria in retail raw milk dated March 4, according to an announcement from the dairy.
The unpasteurized recalled product was bottled in half-gallon and gallon containers and was sold via retail stores in Rochester and Chehalis, WA, as well as on-farm sales. Sigmon Dairy and the state agriculture department continue to work jointly to address the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased Sigmon Dairy retail raw whole milk with Best By dates of March 4 through March 12 are urged not to drink the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 360- 529-7356.
Retail raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, but the potential health risks are serious, according to the state department of agriculture. Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk container carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has consumed any recalledproduct and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
