Potentially Fatal Milk Being Sold in Hudson Valley

Contaminated milk that leads to a potentially fatal infection or can cause flu-like symptoms, miscarriages or stillbirths was produced and sold in the Hudson Valley.

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On Wednesday, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball warned consumers in Dutchess County and the surrounding area not to drink unpasteurized raw milk from Shunpike Dairy in Millbrook due to possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination.

A sample of the milk collected by an inspector from Shunpike Dairy was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, officials say.

On January 25, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on Wednesday, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market

Shunpike Dairy is now prohibited from selling milk until future sampling provers the product is free of harmful bacteria.

It's recommended that anyone who purchased raw milk from Shunpike Dairy immediately toss the milk and call 845-702-6224.

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, which can be a serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, cancer patients, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems, officials say.

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, healthy people may suffer short-term, flulike symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

"We are working very hard to locate the source of the listeria and will continue to keep you informed every step of the way," Shunpike Dairy said on Facebook. "We have a new test that will be performed on Monday We should have those results that Friday or the following Monday. Again, we will keep you posted as the state gives us information. Thank you for your support and understanding during this very difficult time."

Shunpike Dairy noted while they aren't allowed to sell milk, until further notice, they still have items for sale including; eggs, cheeses, yogurt, soap, honey, maple syrup, sunflower oil and balsamic vinegar.