Listeria Detected in Organic Pastures Raw Cream

Listeria Detected in Organic Pastures Raw Cream
CDFA Issues Order to Withdraw Product; No Illnesses Reported


Contact:
Steve Lyle
916-654-0462

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Sacramento, CA -- 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.