SPRINGFIELD, IL – Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of three milk products in response to possible Salmonella contamination found during a routine inspection at its Granite City plant by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Consumers and food service institutions in Illinois and the greater St. Louis, Missouri area are being asked to return Prairie Farm half-pints of whole milk, half-pints of reduced fat milk and half-pints of low-fat chocolate milk to the place of purchase for a full refund or to call the company and make arrangements for returning the product.

Each product bears the Prairie Farms Dairy brand name, has an expiration date of March 10, and includes the manufacturing plant number “17-167” at the top of the carton.

Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, reminded retailers that these Prairie Farm products should immediately be removed from store refrigeration units and not be sold, pending a pickup by Prairie Farm drivers. The product will be destroyed.

IDPH has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall as well as local health departments in the state.

Salmonellosis, the disease caused by the Salmonella bacteria, is often mistaken for the stomach flu. Symptoms, which usually appear within 12 to 36 hours after contact with the bacteria, can last from 24 hours to 12 days. They include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, chills, fever, nausea and dehydration. Most susceptible to the bacteria are children younger than 1 year old, elderly and people who have had ulcer surgery, take antacids or have a weakened immune system. In Illinois, more than 1,000 cases of Salmonella infection are reported each year.

Salmonellosis is treated with fluids to prevent dehydration and with pain relievers to reduce fever and make the person more comfortable. At this time, there have been no reports of illnesses linked to this voluntary recall.

Consumers who have questions regarding Prairie Farm milk products may contact the company at 1-800-654-2547.