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A cluster of Campylobacter illnesses in Connecticut traced back to Nature View Dairy raw milk. This prompted a Connecticut Department of Public Health and Connecticut Department of Agriculture investigation resulting in a subsequent recall of raw milk dairy products from the Bridgewater, Connecticut farm.
Here’s what we know about the Nature View Dairy raw milk outbreak and recall.
Two human cases of Campylobacter illnesses were reported to the Connecticut Department of Health. Patient interviews revealed the Nature View Dairy raw milk connection.
Upon this discovery, the Connecticut Department of Health notified Connecticut Department of Agriculture of the situation.
Upon discovery of the related cases of Campylobacter illnesses and their association with Nature View Dairy, Connecticut Department of Agriculture performed a site visit. Additional sampling and testing of raw milk coming out of the dairy was performed to determine the scope of the situation.
This additional testing and laboratory analysis of raw milk samples from the farm identified another positive test result for the harmful bacteria, Campylobacter.
In an effort to protect consumers while Nature View Dairy and Connecticut Department of Agriculture resolve the Campylobacter contamination, a recall was announced.
“Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that all farm products are safe for consumption through routine sampling and testing on the farm as well as working in tandem with our sister agency [Connecticut Department of Public Health] on investigations to protect public health,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt.
A voluntary recall for Nature View Dairy raw milk was announced on October 8, 2024.
This recall includes all raw milk products from Nature View Dairy. Including those from retail distribution locations in Connecticut, farm stores, natural food stores, and grocers.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture is working with Department of Health and Department of Consumer Protection on this investigation and recall.
“Consumers who have purchased bottled raw milk from Nature View Dairy should discontinue use, and either discard, or return the bottle to where they purchased the raw milk for a full refund,” said the recall notice.
The word “raw” has been used to describe the Nature View Dairy milk included in this outbreak and recall. But what exactly is the difference between raw milk and regular milk?
Milk, coming directly from the cow is considered “raw” milk. Therefore, all milk starts out as “raw” milk.
Much like all steaks from the butcher begin as raw. While some may prefer their beef rare, we can all agree that some form of heat treatment removes that “raw” categorization. It is that heat treatment that makes the product safe to eat. This is called pasteurization.
Most dairy processing plants use traditional pasteurization methods. This involves a rapid heating and cooling process designed to kill harmful pathogens in the milk while retaining the integrity of the dairy product.
This process often involves passing chilled raw milk through stainless-steel plates until the liquid reaches 161° F. Milk stays at this temperature for at least 15 seconds before cooling back to 39° F.
University of Wisconsin-Madison food science professor John Lucey refers to pasteurization as the best line of defense.
“Pasteurization is an absolutely critical control point for making diary products safe,” says Lucey. “There really isn’t another single aspect that is as important as it is. If there is a pathogen or anything in the milk that we don’t want, pasteurization destroys it.”
Fortunately, studies have proven that pasteurization does not negatively affect the end product. “The milk is not sterilized or boiled. If we go through the major components of milk, pasteurization has zero effect of fast, zero effect on protein, and zero effect on the minerals.”
Campylobacter infections can be very serious.
While Campylobacter infections are self-limiting and most normally healthy individuals completely recover within a week, certain serious or long-term health complications may result from Campylobacter infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 5 to 20% of people with Campylobacter infection will develop irritable bowel syndrome for a while. About 1 to 5% will develop a type of arthritis known as reactive arthritis.
A more serious complication occurs in about 1 in 1000 reported Campylobacter cases – Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS). In GBS cases, the infection triggers the person’s immune system. The result is muscle weakness, or even paralysis that can last for weeks and often requires intensive medical care. While most people fully from GBS, permanent nerve damage is possible in some cases. While rare, an estimated 40% of GBS in the United States is linked to Campylobacter infection.
Common Campylobacter infection symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience nausea and vomiting with diarrhea.
These symptoms often begin around 2 to 5 days after ingesting Campylobacter bacteria and usually lasts about a week.
Most people with Campylobacter infection recover on their own without medical intervention and do not need antibiotics. However, those at higher risk of severe illness may require antibiotic treatment.
Campylobacter bacteria do not respond to all antibiotics, so additional drug sensitivity testing may be necessary for the patient to receive the correct medication.
Those at higher risk include:
Connecticut Department of Health wants to know if you become sick after consuming Nature View Dairy raw milk.
The Department of Health team is collaborating with partners to “assist with laboratory testing and messaging to residents throughout the state.”
“Those who exhibit symptoms of Campylobacter infection that last more than two days should contact their health care provider.”
If you have become seriously ill from consuming Nature View Dairy raw milk and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Campylobacter lawyer that can help! The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has experience representing families with cases just like yours.
Reach out for your free, no obligation consultation at (833) 330-3663 or click here to email to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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