Raw Goat Milk Recalled over E. Coli Risk

Due to possible E. coli contamination, St. John Creamery of Lake Stevens, Wash., is recalling both refrigerated and frozen raw goat milk sold in various-sized containers with brown caps. The product was sold in western Washington with sell-by dates of July 29 and later.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. But a few particularly nasty strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

You may be exposed to E. coli from contaminated water or food — especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Healthy adults usually recover from infection with E. coli O157:H7 within a week, but young children and older adults can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The milk can be returned to stores for a refund.