• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Dauphin County Raw Milk Dairy Tests Negative for Listeria; Raw Milk Sales Resumed

Posted on: Tuesday, 24 February 2009, 16:47 CST

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Swiss Villa Dairy Farm in Lykens, Dauphin County, has tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes contamination and resumed sales of raw milk on Feb. 24, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. Pennsylvania farms selling raw milk must be permitted and have samples of their milk laboratory tested due to the health risks associated with consuming the unpasteurized products.

Samples were taken from the farm on Feb. 9; they tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes on Feb. 16. Multiple samples from the farm have tested negative in subsequent testing.

"Ensuring the public's safety is the top priority for the department," said Wolff. "Since the original samples tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes in our labs, multiple samples have tested negative, so the farm can resume sales of raw milk."

Swiss Villa Dairy Farm in Lykens is not related to Swiss Premium brand pasteurized milk sold at grocery stores. The Swiss Premium brand was not affected.

No illnesses have been reported as a result of the potential contamination. If people who consume contaminated raw milk become ill, they should consult a physician.

CONTACT: Chris L. Ryder (717) 787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category