Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Raw Milk on July 7, 2026
At least four people have been infected with the same strain of the deadly E. coli bacteria. What do they all have in common?
Raw milk.
Specifically, a connection to Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk.
Let’s discuss the differences between raw milk and pasteurized milk, why E. coli is such a scary germ, and what you should do if you get sick.
But first, here’s what we know so far about the E. coli outbreak associated with Dungeness Valley Creamery.
According to Washington State Department of Health, four people were infected with “the same highly related strain of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli.” No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.
Illness onset for these infections range from May 28, 2026 to June 4, 2026.
Two of the four cases specifically indicated consuming Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk prior to becoming sick. Of which, one was an Oregon resident who purchased raw milk on May 25, 2026 and a Snohomish County, Washington resident who purchased raw milk on May 28, 2026.
A King County, Washington resident reported consuming raw milk but did not indicate the specific brand.
The final case involved a Texas resident that tested positive while visiting Washington State who was unavailable for interview.
No recall was recommended at this time. This is because raw milk samples collected on June 16, 2026 that were tested by the Washington Department of Agriculture tested negative for the harmful germ.
However, several factors could lead to a negative E. coli test result. In some cases, it comes down to sample size. For example, a small amount of E. coli bacteria in a large sample may not contain enough of the germ to show up on a laboratory test. Even though there could be germs in the end consumers’ container.
Even a small amount of E. coli bacteria in a container of raw milk could eventually grow to infectious quantities.
Dungeness Valley Creamery is a raw milk dairy. But what exactly does that mean?
Raw milk is a term used for milk that has not undergone heat treatment through a process that kills potential illness-causing germs often associated with dairy products. The product moves from animal to container with little to no action in between.
This term does not only apply to milk from cows. Sheep, goats, and other lactating animal milk can either be raw or pasteurized.
So, what does pasteurization mean?
Pasteurization is a widely used process invented in 1864, by the namesake inventor, Louis Pasteur. Pasteur discovered a way to heat treat beverages in order to kill harmful microorganisms. Microorganisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Q fever, and brucellosis.
Among others.
The original intent for pasteurization was to help increase the shelf life and reduce spoilage of beer, wine, and other beverages.
Priorities. Am I right?
As you can imagine, those times were more pressing issues of the time.
Today, pasteurization is most commonly associated with milk. Though juices and certain shelf stable foods are also commonly pasteurized. Many illnesses prior to pasteurization were linked to milk and dairy products. A problem that has almost entirely been eradicated since widespread use of pasteurization.
In fact, since the mainstream application of pasteurization, the number of milk-related outbreaks has decreased from 25% to only 1%. With 70% of those outbreaks involving raw milk.
Raw milk is risky because without the heat treatment of pasteurization, potential germs found on dairy farms can make their way into the milk and sicken the consumer.
Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk is legal for sale to both retail and on-farm customers under Washington Administrative Code Chapter 16-149. In fact, the dairy’s website indicates 32 different locations where their raw milk products are sold. However, retail raw milk cannot be used to make other food products for sale to the public (e.g. yogurt, butter, puddings, ice cream, etc.).
A special raw milk permit and certain regulatory requirements are necessary for Dungeness Valley Creamery and other raw milk dairies to sell this product.
Things like herd health testing, routine bacterial count and somatic cell count testing, certain sanitation requirements, and mandatory raw milk labeling.
Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Some people, on the other hand, may experience other complications. These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illnesses or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli in this outbreak.
HUS develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. Which can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include:
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
If you become sick with an E. coli infection after consuming Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk, there are a few things you should consider doing to help your situation.
If you start experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection, it is a good idea to see your health care provider. Especially if your symptoms worsen or become severe. Notify them of your exposure risk to expedite important testing necessary for accurate diagnosis.
You should also stay hydrated. Gastrointestinal illness can deplete your body of important hydration. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid sugary beverages and caffeine, and replenish your electrolytes.
If you have been seriously impacted by an E. coli infection from Dungeness Valley Creamery raw milk, it is a good idea to get advice from an E. coli Lawyer. An experienced E. coli Lawyer can answer your questions and help you through this difficult process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for families with cases just like yours. With a specialty in contamination, products liability, and food safety cases, you can trust the E. coli and Raw Milk Lawyers of The Lange Law Firm, PLLC to navigate this complicated legal process on your behalf.
They know the questions to ask, the information to obtain, and how to build your case. Their compassionate team will help you through this unfortunate situation and get you the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)