Listeria outbreak linked to raw milk from Pennsylvania farm

BIRD-IN-HAND, Pa., March 20 (UPI) -- New evidence tied a deadly 2014 listeria outbreak to raw milk from an organic farm in Pennsylvania.

In January, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified listeria bacteria in raw chocolate milk produced by Miller's Organic Farm in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania. Genetic testing confirmed the bacteria's close relation to the strain that killed one consumer in Florida and sickened another in California in 2014.

CDC officials announced the link on Friday, warning consumers to avoid raw milk products from the farm. Health officials have long advised against the consumption of raw milk -- milk that hasn't been pasteurized -- which can carry listeria, salmonella, E. coli and campylobacter bacteria

"Because listeria was recently found in raw milk produced by Miller's Organic Farm, CDC is concerned that conditions may exist at the farm that may cause further contamination of raw milk and raw dairy products distributed by this company and make people sick," the CDC said in a statement.

The southeastern Pennsylvania farm doesn't distribute its products to retail stores. "Only club members can order foods from Miller's Organic Farm," its website reads.

The farm's owner Amos Miller told LancasterOnline his company is still selling products to members and that he is unaware of any health problems.

"I don't know that it was proved it's on the farm here," Miller told CBS News. "We hope and pray for the best."