Politics & Government

Tainted Milk Sickens More Area Residents

More illnesses in Beaver and Allegheny counties link to milk from local dairy.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is confirming more than a dozen people have now been sickened after drinking milk from a Beaver County dairy.

As of Monday morning, the state health department had 14 confirmed cases of people sickened from a harmful bacteria linked to milk produced from Brunton Dairy in Independence Township, Beaver County.

Thomas Hostetter, health department spokesman, said in a statement that eight of the individuals are from Beaver County and six are from Allegheny County.

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The number of people sickened has increased from June 15 when five individuals – three young children and two older adults – developed diarrhea and other symptoms after drinking pasteurized milk in glass bottles from the dairy, the health department said.

The illnesses were caused by "Yersinia enterocolitica," a bacteria that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and can sometimes enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.

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Brunton Dairy has voluntarily suspended milk production.

Several local stores that carried the milk include the , in Moon, McGinnis Sisters in Adams Township, and Soergel Orchards Family Farm Market in Wexford, according to the dairy’s website.

Sewickley Confectionary owner Chris Bichsel said the store immediately removed Brunton products from its offerings following the recall. He hasn't heard of any of his customers falling ill. 

Testing is ongoing and results are pending, but the dairy is working closely with the health department and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the website states.

 “We are also rigorously evaluating our process to remedy any potential problems, and ensure that our milk is as safe as it is delicious,” the web site said.

Brunton Dairy, a more than 175-year-old farm, produces buttermilk, regular, fat-free, reduced-fat, cream, and chocolate- and strawberry-flavored milk, as well as ice cream. 

The health department suggests any glass-bottled milk from the dairy be discarded or returned to the dairy or point of purchase, and that residents take precaution with other dairy products from Brunton.

Anyone sickened can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or the Allegheny County Health Department at 412-687-ACHD (2243). 


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