Two Samples Test Negative for Pathogens

HARRISBURG. Pa., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Agriculture has informed Alvin J. Stoltzfus, of Paradise, Lancaster County, that his raw milk permit has been reinstated, and that he may once again sell raw milk after two samples taken on separate days from his dairy tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes.

The department discovered potentially harmful levels of the pathogen in milk samples taken from the farm on June 7. No illnesses were reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Stoltzfus agreed to stop selling raw milk for human consumption after the initial positive test.

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. Pennsylvania farms selling raw milk must have a permit from the Department of Agriculture and have samples of their milk lab-tested due to the health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk.

Symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal complications including nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. The symptoms can appear between four days and three weeks after infection.

For more information about food safety, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Media contacts: Justin Fleming, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us