Health Law

Whole Foods in California, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut to Stop Raw Milk Sales

By Bill Marler

According to David Gumpert, blogger at the Complete Patient, and confirmed by raw milk dairyman, Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures Dairy, Whole Foods will stop raw milk sales in California, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

Mr. Gumpert quoted Mr. McAfee:

The reason for the action He says he was told the order came from Whole Foods' corporate based on difficulties the company had gaining insurance coverage. "The insurance will not cover any liability if they include raw milk," according to McAfee.

There is some speculation that the cessation of sales had something to do with a Marler Blog post several months ago - "Risky Business - Why would a retailer, like Whole Foods, sell Raw Milk?" However, it most likely it is simply that Whole Foods values its customers like:

Margot Standish was seven years old in June 2008, when she became infected with E. coli O157:NM as the result of consumption of raw milk. Her symptoms began in late June, with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Her regular physician treated Margot over the period of more than a week, but her condition began to deteriorate, and she was admitted to the hospital on July 8. Laboratory tests conducted that day provided evidence that Margot had been suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Thankfully, Margot's renal insufficiency did not deepen to the point that dialysis was required. She remained hospitalized through July 14. Medical bills exceeded $30,000. As a result of her HUS, Margot will need to have her renal function monitored regularly for the rest of her life.

And, Kalee Prue, a 27-year-old mother of one, became infected with E. coli O157:NM in June 2008, as the result of consumption of raw milk. Her symptoms began in early July, and intensified for several days. On two occasions, Kalee sought treatment in the emergency room. On July 12, it became apparent that she was developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). She was then admitted to the hospital on July 13. Kalee's renal failure was complete and prolonged, and she required plasmapharesis from July 13 through August 11. Severe anemia necessitated repeated transfusions with packed red blood cells as well. By the time she was released from the hospital on August 14, she had incurred over $230,000 in medical bills. Kalee has not recovered full renal function. She is at severe risk for long-term renal complications, including end stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis, and transplant.

Both Margot and Kalee where part of the same E. coli O157:NM Outbreak. The milk they consumed was purchased at Whole Foods.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on March 13, 2010 (boomark / email).