Sunshine Dairy Recalls Raw Milk Over Listeria Contamination

Sunshine Dairy recall: quick summary

Sunshine Dairy’s raw milk sold in Pennsylvania between August 5 and 15, 2025, has been found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected milk was sold at the Sunshine Dairy farm in Bethel, Berks County, as well as retail locations in Myerstown and Pottsville. Listeria can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. As of August 18, 2025, no illnesses have been reported, but symptoms may take up to 70 days to appear. Consumers are urged to discard any affected raw milk immediately to protect themselves and their families.

Stick around to find out more about this recall: what caused it, affected products, and what you should do if you purchased this raw milk.

What happened?

Sunshine Dairy issued a recall of its raw milk after routine testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The milk sold between August 5 and August 15, 2025, in gallon-sized plastic containers, was distributed locally in Pennsylvania across Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties.

Distribution locations:

• Sunshine Dairy Farm, 9400 Old Route 22, Bethel, Berks County
• Swatty Creek Farms, 7725 Lancaster Avenue, Myerstown, Berks County
• Shady Breeze Farm-Corn Crib, 753 PA-419, Myerstown, Lebanon County
• The Farm Store, 113 E. Norwegian St, Pottsville, Schuylkill County

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States
Sunshine Dairy	Raw Milk	1 gal	N/A	Aug 15, 2025	Listeria contamination	PA (Berks, Lebanon, Schuylkill)

What caused the issue?

The culprit here is the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can be hiding in raw, unpasteurized milk. Even though the milk looks fresh and tastes fine, Listeria can cause serious infections. It’s particularly sneaky because contaminated milk may not smell or taste spoiled at all.

Health risks and vulnerable groups:

• Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk.
• Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.
• Listeria infections can sometimes take up to 70 days to appear, so even if you feel fine now, stay vigilant.
• There are currently no confirmed victims from this batch, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to take a gamble.

Why raw milk is risky:
Raw milk hasn’t gone through pasteurization: the heating process that kills harmful bacteria. Pasteurized milk is much safer because the heat zaps Listeria and other pathogens, turning your milk into a deliciously safe breakfast companion. Raw milk enthusiasts may tout its “natural” qualities, but Mother Nature didn’t exactly hand out safety guarantees.

Questions you might have

1. Can I drink raw milk safely?
   No, raw milk can carry harmful bacteria.
2. How do I know if my milk is affected?
   Check the sale date (Aug 5–15, 2025) and store location.
3. What should I do if I drank it?
   Monitor for symptoms and consult a doctor.
4. Can pets drink it?
   It’s risky. Listeria can affect some animals.
5. Does pasteurization prevent this?
   Yes, pasteurization kills Listeria.
6. Is it okay to cook the milk?
   Boiling may kill bacteria, but disposal is safest.
7. Who issued the recall?
   Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
8. Where was it sold?
   Bethel, Myerstown, and Pottsville locations.
9. Are other products affected?
   Only raw milk from the specified batch.
10. Who can I contact?
    Sunshine Dairy customer service or local health authorities.

Here’s what you should do

• Discard all raw milk sold Aug 5–15, 2025. Yes, that means straight into the trash—don’t even think about using it for cereal.
• Check gallon container labels and sell-by dates to make sure you aren’t sipping on a bacterial lottery ticket.
• Do not consume; contact Sunshine Dairy if you have questions or need reassurance that you didn’t just enroll in a Listeria adventure.
• Consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms. And no, “feeling fine” isn’t a valid excuse. Listeria is a slow-burner.

Behind the brand

Sunshine Dairy is a local Pennsylvania farm known for producing raw milk and dairy products for regional retail stores.

Other relevant recalls

• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalls pepper jack and horseradish cheese due to possible Listeria contamination
• Fromi USA recalls Brie Royal Faucon 1kg over Listeria contamination risk
• Wegmans recalls Camembert cheese over Listeria risk
• Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions recalls Member’s Mark freeze-dried fruit for Listeria risk
• Reser’s and Molly’s Kitchen salads recalled over Listeria contamination risk
• Albertsons recalls tuna salad products over Listeria contamination risk

“Food safety isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the backbone of trust. Staying alert to recalls ensures the entire supply chain delivers safe, quality products.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Listeria scares remind us why pasteurization exists and why companies must maintain strict hygiene protocols. A single contaminated batch can cause ripple effects across public health and the dairy industry. Consumers should act fast when recalls are issued, because no one wants their morning coffee to come with a side of bacteria.

If you purchased Sunshine Dairy raw milk from Aug 5–15, 2025, toss it out and wash your hands like you just handled a science experiment gone rogue. Remember: safety over nostalgia for that “fresh-from-the-farm” flavor.

Looking for safe, high-quality ingredients or private label solutions? Source86 ensures supply chain excellence, food safety, and top-notch bulk ingredients. Don’t gamble with your dairy. Choose safety and quality. Contact us!