Schoonover Farms recalls raw milk

ODESSA – Schoonover Farms, LLC of Odessa is voluntarily recalling retail raw whole milk and cream after routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of toxin-producing E. coli in a raw cream sample on Dec. 23.

Out of an abundance of caution, raw whole milk and cream displaying “best by” dates of Dec. 23, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022 have been recalled. The recalled product was bottled in 8-ounce, quart, half-gallon and one-gallon containers and was sold to local consumers in the Odessa area and also at retail stores in the Spokane area.

John Walter, dairy manager at Schoonover Farms, spoke with The Record this week. He said that no reports of illness related to the recalled milk and cream have been received to date. Schoonover Farms and the Ag Dept. continue to work jointly to address the source of the problem. Walter says this is the first time ever that Schoonover Farms has had such a problem. The dairy has since redoubled its efforts to perform each step in its milking process with a focus on preventing contamination so it can continue to provide safe and wholesome products to its customers. Walter says he believes this to be an isolated incident. Further testing is scheduled for this week.

Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) produce Shiga toxin, which can cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. These symptoms usually appear within three to four days after ingestion of the toxin, but may also take as long as eight or nine days to appear. The infection can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious disease that destroys red blood cells, resulting in kidney failure. At particularly high risk are infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Anyone displaying the symptoms cited above should contact their health-care provider immediately.

Consumers who have purchased this raw whole milk and cream are urged not to consume the product and to return it to wherever it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 509-988-0538 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.