State finds E. coli in raw milk; dairy initiates retail level recall

A Washington State dairy is recalling unpasteurized, raw milk from retailers and consumers after state tests showed a sample was contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli.

Williams Valley Family Farm LLC announced the recall today, warning consumers to stop using the implicated milk.

“The recall was initiated after routine sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) revealed the presence of toxin-producing E. coli in retail raw whole milk. . . . Williams Valley Family Farm LLC and WSDA continue to work jointly to address the source of the problem,” company officials of the Clayton, WA, dairy said in the recall notice.

There is concern that consumers may have significant portions of the milk in their homes because its best-by dates range from Feb. 8 through Feb. 17.

The recalled raw whole milk was bottled in gallon and half-gallon containers and was sold to customers in Eastern and Western Washington, including retail stores. 

Consumers who have purchased Williams Valley Family Farm LLC retail raw whole milk with “Best By” dates of “2/08 through 2/17” are urged not to drink the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, dairy operators said. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 509-276-0540.

Retail raw milk is legal to sell and buy in Washington State, but the potential health risks are serious, according to the statement from the dairy. Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk containers carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation.

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