In November 2011, the Washington State Department of Agriculture began to investigate unpasteurized (raw) milk dairy Cozy Valley Creamery after three Washington victims with strains of genetically identical E. coli O157:H7 reported consuming Cozy Valley raw milk products. At least two of the victims were children that developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) - a development of an E. coli infection that results in kidney failure.
Cozy Valley recalled its raw skim and whole milk after the State's environmental testing of the Tenino, Washington-based dairy showed evidence of E. coli contamination in the dairy's milking parlor and processing areas. Recalled products were sold retail at the farm store and at Marlene's Market in Tacoma, two Olympia Food Co-Op locations in Olympia, Olympia Local Foods in Tumwater, Yelm Co-op in Yelm, Mt. Community Co-op in Eatonville and Marlene's Market in Federal Way.
Child Hospitalized with HUS, E. coli Lawsuit Filed
On January 3, 2012 E. coli attorneys at Marler Clark filed the first lawsuit on behalf of a five-year old child was hospitalized with HUS after consuming raw milk from Cozy Valley Creamery. All cases have been successfully settled.
E. coli Lawsuit Filed Against Washington State Raw Milk Dairy