Published:
New York officials are warning the public not to consume raw milk from Big Brook Farm in Lee Center because it has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
In the warning issued Sept. 30, State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said a sample of the dairy’s milk collected by a state inspector returned the positive result. Follow-up testing confirmed the presence of the bacteria.
The farm is banned from selling raw milk until tests show it is pathogen free.
In 2024 a similar warning was issued after testing showed the farm’s milk was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
As of Oct. 1 no illnesses have been confirmed, but it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.
Raw milk, sometimes referred to as fresh milk, has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and others. Research has shown that people who drink raw milk are 800 more times likely to become sick than those who drink pasteurized milk.
It is illegal to sell raw milk across state lines.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has consumed any of the implicated raw milk and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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