Trumansburg, New York – In response to a concerning discovery, New York state officials have issued a public warning regarding raw milk produced by Remembrance Farm, operated by Nathaniel Thompson. Testing conducted by inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Markets has confirmed contamination of the raw milk with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium known to cause severe foodborne illnesses.
The testing, carried out on samples collected from the farm’s milk, initially revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on August 11. Subsequent tests on August 15 further substantiated the contamination. As a result, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner, Richard Ball, has taken immediate action, prohibiting the sale of raw milk from Remembrance Farm until conclusive testing demonstrates the absence of harmful bacteria.
Officials stress that raw milk lacks the protective benefits of pasteurization, a crucial process that involves heating milk to specific temperatures to eliminate dangerous pathogens. Pasteurization’s role in preventing various foodborne illnesses, including listeriosis, is recognized globally.
Listeria monocytogenes contamination might not be evident through visual cues or odor, underscoring the importance of this warning. Those who have consumed raw milk from Remembrance Farm are urged to be vigilant for symptoms associated with Listeria infection. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Certain groups, such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to the severe complications arising from Listeria infections.
Given the potential for delayed onset, individuals who have consumed the implicated raw milk should monitor their health and that of their children for symptoms over the next several weeks. It’s essential to seek medical attention if any symptoms emerge, as Listeria infections can mimic other illnesses and require specific laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis.
This incident underscores the significance of proper food safety practices and the critical role of pasteurization in safeguarding public health. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets urges all consumers to refrain from consuming any raw milk from Remembrance Farm and to promptly dispose of any such products. If you possess the affected milk, please contact the farm directly at 310-804-7240.
For additional updates and information, please follow official announcements from the Department of Agriculture and Markets and local health authorities.