Several sick after consuming raw milk from Morrison County farm

St. Cloud, MN (KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Health says several people have been sickened by raw milk from a Morrison County farm.

Officials say eight cryptosporidiosis cases and one E. coli case were traced to Healthy Harvest Farm and Kitchen in Hillman. Four of the cases are in children under the age of ten, and one has been hospitalized. The milk may be labeled natural A2 milk, and consumers may be unaware that the milk has not been pasteurized.

The pasteurization process heats the raw milk to a high temperature for a short period of time to kill harmful fecal germs that can cause contamination.

Anyone who bought the milk from the farm is encouraged not to drink or use it.

The MDH is working to identify all people who may have purchased milk from Healthy Harvest Farm and Kitchen to inform them of the risks to prevent additional illnesses. 

Officials are asking anyone who has become sick or knows someone who became sick after drinking raw milk to contact the state department of health.

Story by Jennifer Lewerenz / KNSI