New York – Health officials issued an urgent warning about milk contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes bacteria. They say that the milk was being sold as raw, or unpasteurized milk, in Hudson Valley area. Some of the dangerous product may have even been sent to further away locations. Doctors explain that the bacteria-contaminated milk can lead to a potentially serious medical illness called Listeriosis. The food poisoning illness can lead to severe complications, especially for the very young and old as well as immunocompromised patients, such as those with cancer or other health problems. Pregnant women are also at serious risk for fetal injury or illness, according to obstetricians. The local department of health has demanded that the farm owner immediately stop selling the unsafe product. While the situation in this dairy is still unclear, some cases of Listeria can occur due to unclean facility practice or improper maintenance. Health and safety officials have strict guidelines for farms, food suppliers and shippers as well as for retail stores in order to prevent such dangerous situations. Further inspections and research into the source of the contamination with bacteria will be needed to clean up the facility and ensure a safe product. See this article for more about the hazardous product and potential Listeria outbreak concerns.

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