Raw Milk Products Cause 83% of Dairy Outbreaks Since January 2010

Outbreaks, Illnesses and Recalls Linked to Raw (Unpasteurized) and Pasteurized Dairy Products, United States

January 2010 – November 2011

At total of 24 dairy-related outbreaks were documented since January 2010. Among these, 20 (83%) outbreaks and 198 illnesses were linked to raw dairy products including fluid raw milk and aged raw milk cheese. Two outbreaks from pasteurized milk caused 39 illnesses, and 2 outbreaks from queso fresco Mexican-style cheese outbreaks resulted in 67 illnesses. In addition, there were 29 recalls (no illnesses reported) from both raw and pasteurized dairy products.

Summary:

Outbreaks

• 20 raw dairy outbreaks with 198 illnesses, no deaths (18 fluid raw milk, 2 aged raw milk cheese)

• 2 pasteurized dairy outbreak with 39 illnesses, no deaths

• 2 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese outbreak with 67 illnesses, no deaths

• 3 sporadic illnesses and hospitalizations from illegal Mexican-style cheese, no deaths

Recalls (no illnesses reported)

• 13 raw dairy (6 fluid raw milk, 7 aged raw milk cheese)

• 7 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese

• 5 pasteurized (non-queso fresco) cheese

• 4 dairy product recalls due to inadequate pasteurization

Download the Table: Dairy_Outbreak_Table-2010-2011.pdf