Extensive Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk from California Farm

A salmonella outbreak linked to raw milk from a California farm has sickened significantly more people than initially reported, according to newly released state records. As of February, at least 165 individuals have been affected by salmonella infections connected to products from Raw Farm in Fresno, California. Health officials have indicated that this constitutes the largest reported salmonella outbreak associated with raw milk in the United States over the past decade.

The scale of the outbreak has prompted health officials to reiterate warnings against the consumption of unpasteurized milk, especially given concerns about the bird flu virus, Type A H5N1, which has been detected in U.S. dairy herds. This virus has been identified in over 140 dairy herds nationwide, with federal health authorities noting its presence in raw milk samples.

State and local health officials had not provided an updated public account of the outbreak's extent since October, when authorities in San Diego reported approximately a dozen cases. At that time, Raw Farm issued a voluntary recall of milk and heavy cream sold between October 11 and November 6. Despite this recall, cases continued to rise, according to documents obtained by Bill Marler, a Seattle-based food safety attorney. Marler, who is representing 16 clients purportedly affected by the outbreak, shared these records with The Associated Press.

The investigation revealed that samples from those infected matched samples taken from the farm and a retail store. Over 60% of interviewed individuals with confirmed infections reported consuming Raw Farm products. Infections were reported across four states, with the majority—162 cases—occurring in California. Additionally, four individuals with salmonella infections were also found to be infected with campylobacter and/or dangerous E. coli bacteria.

Alarmingly, nearly 40% of those affected were children under the age of five, with 20 individuals requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.

California health officials stated on Wednesday that they had conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with local teams and state agriculture authorities. The public was notified of the outbreak through the October recall notice and subsequent social media posts in October, November, and December. Officials declared the outbreak concluded as of May 4, although it remains unclear if additional cases were reported post-February.

Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm, admitted that his products were involved in the outbreak. He disclosed that a single cow had been infected with salmonella in the previous fall and was subsequently removed from the herd. In response to the outbreak, McAfee implemented additional testing protocols.

Among those affected was Jessie McGee, a 35-year-old resident of San Pedro, California. McGee plans to sue Raw Farm after her six-year-old daughter was hospitalized in October with a confirmed salmonella infection linked to the outbreak. McGee had been convinced by online claims regarding the health benefits of raw milk and had started consuming Raw Farm products herself, as well as giving them to her daughter and two-year-old twins. All three children and McGee fell ill, but her older daughter experienced the most severe symptoms, including high fever and stomach cramps.

Following this ordeal, McGee has resolved to stop drinking unpasteurized milk. "None of the possible benefits you could maybe get from the milk is worth any of that," she stated emphatically.

This case highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures in dairy production and the importance of public awareness regarding the risks associated with consuming raw, unpasteurized milk. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential health hazards linked to unpasteurized dairy products and the necessity for ongoing vigilance in food safety practices to protect public health.