The owners of a Pepin County dairy, Roland and Diana Reed, have agreed to penalties stemming from a food-borne illness outbreak in September that sickened 32 students and coaches at a high school in Durand, Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) announcement comes after a thorough review of the investigation report written by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
“After reviewing the circumstances described in the final DHS epidemiological and laboratory report, we have determined that the farm violated current statutes and rules by distributing unpasteurized milk in an unauthorized manner, so we are taking appropriate action,” said Dr. Steve Ingham, administrator of the Division of Food Safety for DATCP.
The Reeds have agreed to a DATCP plan that includes suspending the farm’s Grade A permit for 30 days.
If the farm violates the conditions of the agreement within three years, the Grade A permit will be suspended again for 150 days for the current violation and their Grade A permit will be revoked for no less than six months for the additional violation.
After revocation, the Reeds must reapply to be considered again for Grade A status. PD
—From DATCP news release
