Umpqua Dairy Products Co. has recalled certain milk and drink products sold in Oregon, southwest Washington and northern California after a strain of salmonella bacteria that has sickened 23 people was linked to its milk plant.
The Oregon Department of Human Services says 23 Oregon residents were confirmed to have matching DNA patterns of salmonella braenderup. Two people were hospitalized.
The first cases were reported last October. Dr. Paul Cieslak of the Oregon Public Health Division said Wednesday that officials were just recently able to confirm the matching bacteria strain in the Umpqua Dairy milk plant. He says the risk to consumers is very low. The Roseburg, Ore. plant has been temporarily closed for cleaning.
Products to be discarded have a plant code of 41-62. The recall affects milk purchased on or prior to Aug. 16, or with an expiration date of Sept. 5 or earlier; buttermilk with an expiration date of Sept. 10 or earlier; orange juice and fruit drink with an expiration date of Sept. 15 or earlier.