60 Illnesses Linked to Raw Milk Contaminated with Campylobacter

EMSL Analytical provides rigorous testing services for food pathogens

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, February 28, 2012

According to the latest report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the number of people sickened from Your Family Cow dairy’s raw milk has increased to 60. There have been 51 illnesses in Pennsylvania, 4 in Maryland, 3 in West Virginia, and 2 in New Jersey.

After passing a state inspection last week, the dairy has resumed production.

Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the US, claim the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, the symptoms of Campylobacteriosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may also be bloody or accompanied by vomiting. These symptoms typically last for one week, but in people with compromised immune systems, the infection can become life-threatening.

Raw milk is a controversial product in the food industry, because it does not undergo the pasteurization process that kills harmful bacteria. However, some believe that although pasteurization kills harmful germs, it also destroys necessary nutrients that humans need. The legality of raw milk’s production, distribution, and sale varies widely from one state to another.

“EMSL Analytical has helped numerous companies and individuals investigate possible food contamination issues,” states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. “Our food division, staffed by experienced and highly regarded microbiologists, provides a wide range of food testing services, including Campylobacter testing.”

For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.