Recall issued for Organic Pastures raw milk products

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is working with local retailers to remove Organic Pastures raw dairy products from store shelves after five California children, including one in San Diego County, were found to have been infected with a strain of E. coli traced back to the company.

A 5-year-old San Diego County boy was sickened in late August after consuming whole raw milk from Organic Pastures. He was not hospitalized. His case was eventually linked to four other California children infected with E. coli, three of whom were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that may lead to kidney failure.

“The California Department of Public Health investigated a cluster of five children infected by E. coli between August and October and determined the only common reported food exposure was to unpasteurized milk produced by the Organic Pastures Dairy,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “This infection can be very serious in young children and it’s important that people dispose of any remaining Organic Pastures products in their refrigerators, with the exception of cheese that has been aged a minimum of 60 days.”

“DEH is working with local retailers to make sure all Organic Pastures raw milk, butter, cream, colostrums and a product labeled “Qephor” are removed from local store shelves,” said Jack Miller, DEH Director. “They have also been conducting site visits at all local stores that carry Organic Pastures products to ensure they are not available for sale at any retail locations.”

In addition to the recall, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s state veterinarian has announced a quarantine of Organic Pastures. Until further notice, they are not allowed to produce any raw milk products for the retail market.

E. coli infection often causes abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. There is usually little or no fever, and the illness typically resolves itself in five to 10 days. A small percentage of infected individuals may also develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure may occur. Those most at risk for serious complications of this food-borne illness include young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms. Those who wish to reduce their risk of food borne infections should not drink raw milk or eat raw dairy products.