Post by Christine on Dec 27, 2007 17:19:28 GMT -5
These are good people who operate in my local area. I wonder why the state is saying that it's not a big deal, but the article is suggesting an epidemic?
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Milk Warning Issued After Listeria Cases
Consumers Urged Not To Drink Milk Products From Whittier Farms
POSTED: 4:52 pm EST December 27, 2007
UPDATED: 5:09 pm EST December 27, 2007
BOSTON -- Consumers were warned Thursday not to drink any milk products from Whittier Farms in Shrewsbury because of listeria bacteria contamination, the Department of Public Health announced.
Four cases of listeriosis infection have been identified by DPH. The cases involved three elderly residents and a pregnant woman from Worcester County. Two of the people have died.
The cases occurred in June, October and two in November. DNA fingerprinting conducted by the State Laboratory Institute showed that the bacteria causing these infections came from a common source. Samples collected showed product contamination.
Click here to find out more!
Whittier Farms has agreed to voluntarily suspend operations and distribution at this time until a source of contamination is identified. The firm is contacting all customers.
The bulk of its distribution is home delivery to customers in the greater Worcester/Shrewsbury area. Brand names produced at Whittier Dairy include Whittier, Schultz, Balance Rock, Spring Brook and Maple.
Listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease that can be life-threatening to certain individuals. While most cases of listeriosis occur in adults with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and newborns, infections can occasionally occur in healthy individuals.
"Although evidence suggests that contamination is likely to be at a low level and the risk of infection low, even in those at high risk, it is recommended that consumers do not consume these products and discard any of these products they have," said DPH Director of Communicable Disease Control Dr. Al DeMaria.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness may be mild, and symptoms are sometimes described as flu-like.
About 2,500 cases of listeriosis occur each year in the United States. Twenty-two cases occurred in Massachusetts in 2006.
******************************************8
Milk Warning Issued After Listeria Cases
Consumers Urged Not To Drink Milk Products From Whittier Farms
POSTED: 4:52 pm EST December 27, 2007
UPDATED: 5:09 pm EST December 27, 2007
BOSTON -- Consumers were warned Thursday not to drink any milk products from Whittier Farms in Shrewsbury because of listeria bacteria contamination, the Department of Public Health announced.
Four cases of listeriosis infection have been identified by DPH. The cases involved three elderly residents and a pregnant woman from Worcester County. Two of the people have died.
The cases occurred in June, October and two in November. DNA fingerprinting conducted by the State Laboratory Institute showed that the bacteria causing these infections came from a common source. Samples collected showed product contamination.
Click here to find out more!
Whittier Farms has agreed to voluntarily suspend operations and distribution at this time until a source of contamination is identified. The firm is contacting all customers.
The bulk of its distribution is home delivery to customers in the greater Worcester/Shrewsbury area. Brand names produced at Whittier Dairy include Whittier, Schultz, Balance Rock, Spring Brook and Maple.
Listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease that can be life-threatening to certain individuals. While most cases of listeriosis occur in adults with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and newborns, infections can occasionally occur in healthy individuals.
"Although evidence suggests that contamination is likely to be at a low level and the risk of infection low, even in those at high risk, it is recommended that consumers do not consume these products and discard any of these products they have," said DPH Director of Communicable Disease Control Dr. Al DeMaria.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. The illness may be mild, and symptoms are sometimes described as flu-like.
About 2,500 cases of listeriosis occur each year in the United States. Twenty-two cases occurred in Massachusetts in 2006.