For immediate release: September 28, 2006 (09-154)

Contacts:
Janet Anderberg, Food Safety Program consultant 425-745-1726
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072
Jason Kelly, Washington State Department of Agriculture 360-902-1815

E. coli outbreak connected to raw milk dairy in Whatcom County
One child remains hospitalized after consuming contaminated milk

OLYMPIA ¾ Two children are ill due to an E.coli outbreak associated with unpasteurized milk. The milk came from Grace Harbor Farms, a dairy operation in Whatcom County.

Testing conducted by the Washington Department of Health confirmed the two cases were caused by the same strain of the bacteria, E.coli O157:H7. Both children drank milk from the dairy. Grace Harbor sells its products in several counties through health food stores, PCC Natural Markets and Whole Foods Market.

"Testing showed that the same DNA pattern for this strain of E. coli was present in both cases," said Kathryn MacDonald, an agency epidemiologist. "We did the testing to make sure that these cases were connected and that this was not just a coincidence."

The children are identified as a King County boy and a Snohomish County girl. The boy remains hospitalized at a Seattle hospital recovering from the E. coli infection.

"Consuming raw milk can be risky," said Janet Anderberg, a specialist with the agency’s Food Safety Program. "It is critical that consumers are aware of this risk, especially when it comes to children, the elderly or people who already have serious health problems."

E. coli symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bloody stools. In severe cases it can also cause kidney and liver damage.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is conducting an investigation into the dairy and its operations.

"Grace Harbor is a licensed raw milk producer and has been very cooperative during this investigation," said Jerry Buendel, WSDA assistant director for food safety and consumer services. "They have consistently passed all of our inspections and met our licensing requirements."

While the contaminated milk is already off of store shelves, health and agriculture officials are encouraging consumers to dispose of any Grace Harbor raw milk they may currently have in their homes. This recommendation does not extend to Grace Harbor’s pasteurized milk products.

Information on E. coli can be found on the agency’s Web site (www.doh.wa.gov.) by clicking on the Topics A-Z link.

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