Raw milk sold in Bellingham being recalled for possible E. coli contamination, DOH says

A batch of milk that was sold in Whatcom County is being recalled. On Wednesday the Washington State Department of Health announced a voluntary recall for a batch of Jim’s Jerseys raw milk from Old Silvana Creamery in Arlington after Washington State Department of Agriculture routine testing detected toxin-producing E. coli in a sample.

According to the Whatcom County Department of Health, milk from that batch was sold at Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op and Cost Cutter in Blaine.

Health officials are advising anyone with a half gallon or gallon container of the raw milk, marked with a best buy date of Aug. 23, to not consume it. DOH also recommends returning the product for a full refund and contacting a health care provider if you begin to feel sick.

The cause of the possible contamination remains unknown, and Old Silvana’s tests didn’t reveal any traces of the bacteria. No illnesses associated with the recalled batch have been reported so far.

Symptoms of E. coli infection

According to WSDOH, E. coli is an often harmless bacteria that’s typically found in the intestines of humans and animals. However, some strains of the bacteria produce toxins that can cause serious illness.

If you’ve consumed milk from the potentially contaminated batch, be on the lookout for the symptoms of E. coli infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, those typically include:

• Stomach cramping or pain

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Symptoms typically go away within a week, but officials advise that you contact a doctor if they persist or turn severe, or if they lead to dehydration or high fever.

This story was originally published August 29, 2024 at 2:25 PM.