The adventures of a raw milk co-op and farm!

[Bubblingbrooks]

So, 3 weeks ago, it turns out that there were 4 people that had fevers and intestinal issues.
They were 4 of several hundred that got milk that day out at the farm.
Naturally, since it was assumed that the milk was the culprit, extra testing was done.
And we are all fine with that.
But its the assumption that it could only have been the milk even though 99% of the people never got sick, that drives me batty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, we started formulating how to get all the co-op leaders on a single mailing list, so we can all be informed at the same time of any issue.
I am putting together a special flyer for all members of the co-ops to be given, that stresses cleanliness of jars, how to clean and air dry them, and all about using ice packs in coolers in summer. And also restating how to take care of filling jars and followup cleaning in the milk room.
I am also going to prep a sheet that can be used to override needless quarentine's, in case the CDC and FDA decide to go after us to shut down raw milk sales without any evidence of actual illness.

Those of you that belong to co-ops, should read through these two links, so that you are prepared for the future.
http://www.thecompletepatient.com/j...od-club-members-grab-quarantined-raw-mil.html

http://www.thecompletepatient.com/j...a-war-footing-louisville-buying-club-kno.html

 

[Wifezilla]

It seems like a pretty wild assumption for only 4 out of hundreds.

With the E.Coli outbreak in Germany even they sent out info saying not to drink raw milk. Then they blamed cucumbers. Then sprouts. Gezzz!

So what did the extra testing reveal?

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

It seems like a pretty wild assumption for only 4 out of hundreds.

With the E.Coli outbreak in Germany even they sent out info saying not to drink raw milk. Then they blamed cucumbers. Then sprouts. Gezzz!

So what did the extra testing reveal?

Its a very typical reaction though. And most likely, all those people, in the same town I might add, very likely ate at the same restaurant.

Further tests confirmed that the bacteria that the people had, was not to be found anywhere on the farm.
Extremely low levels of listeria were traced, but that is to be expected, as it is found on all surfaces around the world, and the CDC will even admit that.
All they recommended was an extra cleaning the day they sent out results, just to be sure.

Two years ago, the new creamery made a massive batch of raw cheese, following all codes.
The testers came in, took a sample, stuck it in some sort of envelope and sent it out of state for testing. They told the farmer how they mailed it, and he was appalled! Purposeful mishandling.
Naturally it came back positive for junk after that trip, so they sent all the cheese to the landfill via police escort.

 

[Wifezilla]

 

[savingdogs]

Anyone ever watch that Chef Ramsey show where he supposedly helps restaurants get on their feet? The disgusting things they photograph in the kitchens.

It is enough to make me never want to eat in any restaurant again!

I'm not bashing the restaurant industry.....I'm just picky that way.

But why does milk and veggies always get the bad rap and not unclean practices of other sorts?

 

[~gd]

Anyone ever watch that Chef Ramsey show where he supposedly helps restaurants get on their feet? The disgusting things they photograph in the kitchens.

It is enough to make me never want to eat in any restaurant again!

I'm not bashing the restaurant industry.....I'm just picky that way.

But why does milk and veggies always get the bad rap and not unclean practices of other sorts?

Because they can usually find remaining supplies to test. If someone fails to wash their hands after visiting the restroom they are likely to destroy the evidence when they next visit and remember to properly wash up. We have a chicken processor in town and every 2 hours they exchange the knives. Most people think the exchange is for sharpening, and is, but sample swabs are taken for testing before they are sharpened and sanitized, some of the results are shocking. ~gd