Pride & Joy Creamery, LLC of Granger, WA is recalling raw fluid milk because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) that can cause serious illness. The unpasteurized milk was sold at the farm and distributed through nine retail outlets in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Skagit counties.

The recall was initiated after sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) discovered that the product was contaminated with toxin-producing E. coli. Pride & Joy Dairy and WSDA are continuing their investigation into the source of the problem. WSDA and other public health officials are exploring the possibility that there has been human illness linked to this milk.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections may cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but can take as long as nine days to appear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health care provider.

Consumers who have purchased Pride & Joy raw milk with expiration dates of 9/30/2011 and 9/31/11 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 509-854-1389.

Retail raw milk is legal to buy and sell in Washington, but there are serious potential health risks. Consumers should read the warning label on the retail raw milk container carefully and ask their retailer to verify the milk was produced and processed by a WSDA-licensed operation.