Whittier Farms Suspends Operations Due to Listeria Contamination

Whittier Farms has stopped distribution yesterday when Massachusetts warned consumers to stay away from milk products after two elderly men died of listeria after drinking contaminated milk.  The dairy will continue to hold until the source of contamination is found.

The Department of Public health has found four cases of listeriosis within the past six months.

Two men, one 78 and one 75 died after consuming the milk product in Worcster county.  A 34 year old pregnant woman fell ill and recovered, however, her pregnancy fended in miscarriage.

DNA fingerprinting showed bacteria that caused listeriosis.  Listeriosis can be fatal, symptoms would include fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.  Young children and anyone with a weakened immune system can die if infected.

Dr. Alfre DeMaria is Massachusetts director of communicable disease control.  He says “we don’t know exactly know how this happened.  People are at low risk, but they shouldn’t be consuming these products until we have completed our investigations.”

Whittier Farms has not yet commented on the investigation.  Their brand names include Whittier, Schultz, Balance Rock, Spring Brook and Maple.