70+ Salmonella Infections Investigated In PA, Believed To Be Linked To This Product

Pennsylvania residents are being warned by state authorities to discard products after dozens of salmonella infections have been reported statewide.

Public health and food safety experts at the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Agriculture said they have been investigating to pinpoint the source of more than 70 salmonella infections reported since August 2024.

Recently, the investigation has turned to raw milk and raw-milk cheese products produced by The Family Cow brand.

Where The Products Were Sold

The products were sold at The Family Cow farm’s Chambersburg store, as well as online for pick-up at more than 50 locations across Pennsylvania. "All production and sell-by dates, all milk and all varieties of cheese from the dairy should be discarded," the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Products were also sold to online customers at yourfamilyfarmer.com for pick-up at locations statewide.

According to authorities, product samples were tested this month after a recent spike in salmonella infections. The tests confirmed the products were contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

The dairy’s raw-milk cheese is sold in various sizes in both blocks and shredded. Varieties include cheddar, yellow cheddar, Colby, garlic and chives cheddar, applewood smoked cheddar, unsalted cheddar, raw pepper jack cheese, baby Swiss, yogurt cheese, and Fromage Affiné. Varieties of shredded cheese include pizza cheese, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, and white and yellow cheddar mix.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with people or animals infected with Salmonella. Salmonella can be found in raw or undercooked meats and eggs, raw milk and cheese products, and produce.

According to the CDC, Salmonella is “a leading cause of food-borne illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States and worldwide.” In the United States, about 1.35 million salmonella infections are reported every year.

Illness Symptoms

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that can start anywhere from six hours to six days after consumption of the bacteria, according to the CDC. Children under 5, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.