A Vandalia, Michigan farm that distributes unpasteurized milk is under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its possible link to a diarrhea and fever producing illness called campylobacter. The milk originated from Forest Grove Dairy in Middlebury, Indiana, and is distributed by the Family Farms Cooperative in Vandalia. On Friday, the FDA announced that it has joined with state health departments in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan in an investigation of the possible link to the illness.
Family Farms Cooperative is a cow share program in which members own part of a cow and in return receive raw dairy products. The raw milk comes in plastic containers and have the following information on a green and white cap: “FOREST GROVE DAIRY, MIDDLEBURY, INDIANA; RAW COW'S MILK, WARNING-NOT PASTEURIZED, 128 FL.OZ.”
According to James McCurtis, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Community Health, “Since March 1, 24 people in southeastern Michigan who have drunk milk from that dairy have fallen ill.”
Campylobacter, which means twisted bacteria, was first discovered in 1963, and is recognized as one of the main causes of foodborne disease in many countries. The bacteria can be spread from contact with feces from infected pets, contact with infected farm animals, and contaminated foods other than milk.
Symptoms of the illness besides diarrhea and fever include muscle pain, headache, abdominal pain, and nausea. Symptoms typically appear two to five days after initial infection and takes about one week to run its course. Treatment is not usually needed, although antibiotics may be used to limit the length of illness. Individuals who have these symptoms and have consumed raw milk are being asked to contact their health care provider and ask to be tested for campylobacter infection.
Comments
Sad to say the dairy actually supplying this raw milk has been intimidated by the FDA to stop supplying. I'm am a drinker of the milk from this farm, I got sick too but so did others in my household who did not drink the milk. As well many of the adults and children at our day care were sick with the very same symptoms and do not eat or drink raw dairy from any source. I can buy cigarettes and alcohol but big brother say no on the raw milk. Got Freedom?
Scott, thanks so much for your comments.
Great article, I'm so thankful I have your articles as a constant source of valuable information on all things concerning health. The older I get the more interested I become in the subject and it helps a great deal to have a valuable resource such as yourself to refer to.
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