October 4, 2006

 

California lifts quarantine on raw milk producer

 

 

California is allowing Organic Pastures, an organic dairy, to resume producing raw milk products after a three-week investigation into four cases of E. coli poisoning in the state.

 

Since Organic Pastures dairy met the requirements of the state and investigations did not reveal any signs of pathogens in the milk, it was allowed to resume manufacturing operations, said Steve Lyle, spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

 

Organic Pastures owner Mark McAfee said this is good news for those who want more control over their immune systems and food choice.

 

McAfee, the state's largest organic raw milk producer, was questioned by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Health Services after four children became ill from E. coli poisoning.

 

Organic Pastures was forced to recall its milk two weeks ago after health department interviews with the sick children and their families found they had consumed dairy's products from the dairy.

 

Tests at the dairy and of several of McAfee's raw milk products came back negative for any pathogens.

 

McAfee estimated he lost between US$150,000 and US$250,000 since the recall, but would get his products back in stores soon.

 

However, the state said he would not be able to begin shipping to grocery stores immediately.

 

The Fresno County Department of Community Health, Environmental Health Division, said that for the moment McAfee can use his raw milk only in manufactured products such as cheese -- not for raw milk and cream.

 

Inspectors found a higher somatic cell count than regulations allow. Although it is not a human health issue, they affect product shelf life and taste. State officials said the county is working with Organic Pastures to resolve the issue.