Raw milk from Fresno-based producer linked to 19 cases of salmonella. Recall issued by state

Fresno-based producer Raw Farm LLC, which specializes in raw milk products, is dealing with a state recall.

At least 19 salmonella cases have been linked to consuming Raw Farm LLC raw milk or milk products.

Nine salmonella infections first were reported in San Diego County last week, then another three this week. In addition, seven cases of salmonella have surfaced in Orange County tied to Raw Farm LLC raw milk products.

Now, the Fresno County Department of Public Health is advising those who’ve purchased Raw Farm LLC products to discard them immediately.

Salmonella can cause a person to develop bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and a headache about six hours to six days after consuming contaminated foods. The illness typically lasts for 4-7 days.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health did state that as of Thursday, there weren’t any confirmed cases of Salmonella in Fresno County with reported consumption of Raw Farm, raw milk.

Raw Farm posted on social media Tuesday it was issuing a “voluntary recall” on all fluid raw whole milk and raw heavy cream in California. Raw Farm, however, pointed out that raw butter, cheese and kefir are not subject to the recall.

That same day, the California Department of Public Health issued a recall on all fluid raw whole milk and rawheavy cream from Raw Farm LLC.

Products noted by the state’s department of public health to be affected had “best by dates” ranging from Oct. 11 to Nov. 6.

Salmonella cases reported

The San Diego Union Tribune reported on Friday three of the initial nine salmonella cases in San Diego County involved children who got so sick, they required hospitalization. The specific ages of the children were not released.

The Orange County Health Care Agency on Wednesday announced seven cases of salmonella in the area with all confirmed cases experiencing illness onset within the past 30 days.

Those affected were individuals ranging in age from 1 to 20 years old.

San Diego County health officials reported another three cases of salmonella linked to Raw Farm raw milk products on Wednesday.

Raw milk ‘risky’

Anyone with symptoms of salmonella infection are advised to seek medical help.

Raw milk, also referred to as natural milk, is unpasteurized milk and considered risky to consume by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Pasteurized milk, on the other hand, is milk that’s heated at a high temperature for a short period of time to kill harmful germs that can contaminate raw milk, according to the Fresno County Department of Public Health. The harmful germs can include salmonella, listeria, e. coli, and other bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The Orange County Health Care Agency stated that pasteurization is the only effective method for eliminating most harmful germs in raw milk or milk products and does not significantly change the nutritional value.

Nonetheless, raw milk is legal in 14 states, including in California. Unpasteurized dairy goods must include a warning label stating “may contain disease-causing microorganisms.”

Raw Farm describes its “Raw Milk” product as “unprocessed and complete with bioavailable vitamins, minerals, enzymes, beneficial bacteria, naturally occurring CLA, and omega-3 fatty acids. Absolutely NO antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or GMOs anything.”

The Fresno County Environmental Health Dairy Program inspects and regulates the Raw Farm dairy farm, the FCDPH said.

In its last sampling from October 11, the milk sampled met all bacteriological standards.