Raw Milk Contaminated With E. coli, Microbiologist Says
Cheese made from raw milk on Hartmann Dairy Farm in Gibbon, Minnesota was contaminated with E. coli bacteria, a microbiologist testified Wednesday. According to news reports from local media sources, “Microbiologist Bryanne Shaw said tests found E. coli in at least two cheese samples produced on the Hartmann farm.”
The southern Minnesota farm was linked this spring to a raw milk E. coli outbreak, and state officials banned sales of Hartmann products. The farm’s owner, Michael Hartmann, is asking for the ban to be lifted. According to the report:
“The state is still trying to determine the exact strain of E. coli found in the cheese, but Shaw did testify it is not the most dangerous form of the bacteria, 0157 H:7. Still, Shaw said the E. coli found could make people sick.”
Raw Milk E. coli Dangers
Pritzker Olsen food safety attorneys currently represent clients who have been severely sickened by raw milk and have also represented many victims of E. coli poisoning. “The harmful pathogens that can be found in raw milk can cause potentially life-threatening illnesses,” said attorney Fred Pritzker. “Especially in the case of E. coli poisoning, which can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, or E. coli HUS. This complication can cause lifelong kidney damage and even death. The risks that these pathogens pose need to be taken seriously.”
Source:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/26/raw-milk-hearing/
Tags: e. coli, raw milk outbreak
