Media Release from SA Health - Recall action undertaken after raw cow’s milk linked to gastro cases
Recall action undertaken after raw cow’s milk linked to gastro cases
SA Health has today taken action against the Moo View Dairy, after at least five cases of gastro have been linked with consuming unpasteurised (raw) cow’s milk.
Under the Food Act 2001 and the South Australian Public Health Act 2011, all raw cow’s milk from Moo View Dairy must be recalled and the dairy will be prohibited from selling and distributing raw cow’s milk.
Associate Professor Kevin Buckett, SA Health Director of Public Health, said the sale of raw cow’s milk for human consumption is illegal in Australia due to its high risk of contamination.
“We’ve confirmed at least five cases where people aged between three and 70 contracted gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite after consuming raw cow’s milk products purchased from Moo View Dairy, and this number is likely to be higher,” Assoc Prof Buckett said.
“Luckily, these people did not require hospitalisation, but it is important to remember that raw cow’s milk products should not be consumed as they can contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, as well as Cryptosporidium.
“All of these pathogens cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and some can also cause life-threatening illnesses such as listeriosis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
“Listeriosis is often fatal in immunocompromised people, and can cause fetal death if contracted by a pregnant woman.
“HUS involves destruction of blood cells and acute kidney failure, and is particularly dangerous in young children.
“This is why it is important we act strongly and swiftly with a recall to take these products off sale to prevent anyone else falling ill and to protect the South Australian public.”
Assoc Prof Buckett said the action followed investigations by SA Health’s Food Safety and Communicable Disease Control Branch teams.
“In June we noticed higher than expected numbers of cryptosporidiosis cases and following interviews and investigations, we identified Moo View Dairy’s raw cow’s milk as a common factor between five cases,” Assoc Prof Buckett said.
“We’ve also identified another two potential cases that implicate raw cow’s milk as the cause of illness.
“Everyone is vulnerable to illness caused by the pathogens present in raw cow’s milk, but the risks are even greater for young children, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant women and those with underlying health problems.
“Pasteurisation is crucial because it kills dangerous pathogens without altering the flavour of milk or adversely affecting its nutritional value.
“I encourage anyone who may have purchased raw cow’s milk from the Moo View Dairy not to consume it and to dispose of it immediately.”
The recalled products are sold in 1L, 2L and 3L plastic bottles and labelled:
The SA Government declares this RAW COW’S MILK NOT FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Store at less than 5°C
1849 Victor Harbour Road, Willunga Hill, SA 5172