Raw Milk Products Recalled in CA for Campylobacter Contamination

Raw milk products produced by Claravale Farm of San Benito County, CA, are subject to a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones on Sunday.  The order follows a positive test for Campylobacter in the farm’s raw milk and raw cream from samples collected by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  CDPH is strongly urging Claravale’s customers to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators with code dates of “MAR 28” and earlier. Retailers are asked to pull those products immediately from their shelves.  CDPH found the Campylobacter bacteria in samples collected as part of an investigation of illnesses that may have been associated with Claravale Farm raw milk.  No illnesses have been definitively attributed to the products at this time. However, CDPH is continuing its epidemiological investigation of reported clusters of Campylobacter illness where consumption of raw milk products may have occurred.  Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most people with camplylobacteriosis recover completely. Illness usually occurs 2 to 5 days after exposure to Campylobacter and lasts about a week. The illness is usually mild, and some people with campylobacteriosis have no symptoms at all. However, in some persons with compromised immune systems, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection.  A small percentage of people may have joint pain and swelling after infection. In addition, a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes weakness and paralysis can occur several weeks after the initial illness.  In 2012, Claravale Farms was linked to 22 Campylobacter illnesses by CDPH.