The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is warning consumers to immediately discard Byers Organic Dairy brand raw milk purchased between July 8 and July 10, 2025, with sell-by dates of July 22 and July 23, 2025. 

Routine milk samples were tested and confirmed to be contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli.

The contaminated milk was sold in plastic half-gallon and gallon containers at the farm’s store at 10139 Church Hill Road Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA. The store has removed the milk from their shelves, but could not supply a list of customers who purchased it.

No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product as of July 11.

about E. coli infections
Anyone who has consumed any of the implicated unpasteurized, raw milk and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

about 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.