SACRAMENTO, Friday, September 7, 2007 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued an order to Organic Pastures Dairy Company to withdraw from retail distribution Grade A raw cream manufactured at their facility in Fresno, due to detection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Under the recall, Organic Pastures brand Grade A raw cream with code dates SEP 14  through SEP 21 is to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw cream for the retail market.

The quarantine order came following laboratory confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. CDFA inspectors found the bacteria as a result of product testing conducted as part of routine inspection and sample collection at the facility.

The withdrawal order involves removal of raw cream from grocery stores, retail outlets and farmers markets throughout California.

The great majority of cream consumed in California is pasteurized. Raw cream is not. Pasteurization eliminates the risk of bacterial illness. 

Listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis among "at risk" people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to more serious problems for the fetus. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.

Consumers should discard the raw cream or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. California consumers who have purchased Organic Pastures brand raw cream may call the company at 559- 352-6585 with questions about the product withdrawal.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.

Media Contact: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs, 916/654-0462, slyle@cdfa.ca.gov

For additional information on the California Department of Food and Agriculture please visit our website at www.cdfa.ca.gov

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