Big Brook Farm Raw Milk Recalled in New York Due to Listeria Contamination

State agricultural authorities have issued an urgent consumer warning and halted sales for a New York dairy producer following positive laboratory tests for a dangerous pathogen.

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, raw milk samples collected from Big Brook Farm—located at 6063 Weaver Road in Lee Center, Oneida County, New York—tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. As a result, the farm has been strictly prohibited from selling its raw milk until subsequent government testing confirms the product is completely free of contamination.

Details of the Contamination and Recall

The contamination was uncovered after a routine sample collected by state inspectors on September 24 returned a preliminary positive test, which was subsequently confirmed by advanced testing.

• Product Affected: Raw milk distributed by Big Brook Farm (Lee Center, NY).
• Pathogen Identified: Listeria monocytogenes.
• Current Status: The farm is barred from retail sales until laboratory sampling proves the milk is safe. No illnesses had been formally reported at the time of the announcement.

The Dangers of Listeria in Unpasteurized Milk

Unlike commercial milk that undergoes pasteurization—a thermal process designed to destroy harmful bacteria—raw milk is sold unheated, leaving it vulnerable to environmental pathogens.

Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy organism capable of surviving and multiplying even at cold refrigeration temperatures. Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, can trigger severe symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and confusion. It poses an extreme risk to older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women—where infections can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths. Symptoms can take up to 70 days to manifest.

What Consumers Should Do

Anyone who purchased raw milk from Big Brook Farm should immediately discard it or return it to the farm for a refund. Sinks or containers exposed to the milk should be thoroughly sanitized with a mild bleach solution to prevent cross-contamination.

Affected by a contaminated dairy product or foodborne illness? Request a free, confidential case review with Food Poison Central today to discuss your legal options.