Willow Marsh Farm recalls raw milk due to Listeria contamination

Date Issued: March 4, 2025
Company: Willow Marsh Farm
Product: Unpasteurized raw milk
Issue: Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Product Details: Sold between Feb. 26 and March 2, 2025
Action to Take: Discard immediately and monitor for symptoms
Call to Action: Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What happened?

Willow Marsh Farm, a New York-based dairy, has issued a voluntary recall of its unpasteurized raw milk after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The dairy initially announced the test results on its Facebook page, confirming the contamination on March 4, 2025. The affected products were sold between February 26 and March 2, 2025.

Affected products table

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Willow Marsh	Raw, Unpasteurized Milk	N/A	N/A	Feb 26 – Mar 2, 2025	Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

What caused the issue?

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous foodborne pathogen, was detected in routine testing. This bacteria can cause serious and life-threatening infections. Listeria contamination can occur due to:

Unsanitary milking conditions – Contaminated equipment or improper handling.
Cross-contamination – Listeria can survive and spread in processing areas.
Cold storage risks – Unlike many bacteria, Listeria thrives at refrigeration temperatures.
Animal carriers – Listeria can be found in soil, water, and even healthy animals.

Customers at risk

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe illness from Listeria infection, including:

Pregnant women – Can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infections.
Elderly individuals – Weakened immune systems increase the severity.
Young children – Less-developed immune systems make them vulnerable.
Immunocompromised individuals – Cancer patients, transplant recipients, and those with chronic illnesses.

Symptoms of Listeria infection:

Nausea & vomiting
Persistent fever
Muscle aches
Severe headache & neck stiffness
Diarrhea
Confusion or loss of balance in severe cases
Symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear!

10 common questions you may have

What should I do if I have this product?
If you purchased Willow Marsh Farm raw milk between Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, DO NOT drink it. Dispose of it immediately and sanitize any containers or surfaces it touched.
Can I return the milk for a refund?
Contact Willow Marsh Farm for refund policies or check their official website for more details.
What happens if I already drank the milk?
Monitor for symptoms of Listeria infection. If you experience fever, muscle aches, or nausea, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
How serious is Listeria infection?
Listeria can cause mild symptoms in healthy individuals, but it can be life-threatening for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Can I boil the milk to make it safe?
No. While heating may kill bacteria, it does not eliminate the risk of contamination. It is safer to discard the product.
Is pasteurized milk at risk?
No. Pasteurized milk undergoes heat treatment to eliminate harmful bacteria like Listeria.
Has anyone reported getting sick from this milk?
As of now, no confirmed illnesses have been linked to this recall, but the risk remains.
How can I prevent Listeria contamination in my kitchen?
- Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Regularly clean and sanitize your refrigerator.
- Cook foods thoroughly, especially dairy and meat products.
How long does Listeria survive on surfaces?
Listeria can survive for weeks in cold and moist environments like refrigerators and food prep areas.
Where can I get updates on this recall?
Visit Willow Marsh Farm’s official page or follow local health department announcements.

Here’s what you should do

Check your fridge – If you purchased Willow Marsh Farm raw milk between Feb. 26 – Mar. 2, DO NOT DRINK IT.
Dispose of it properly – Pour it out and wash any containers or surfaces that touched the milk.
Monitor your health – If you consumed the product, watch for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
Contact the company – Reach out to Willow Marsh Farm or check the FDA website for more details.

Behind the brand

Willow Marsh Farm is a small-scale New York dairy specializing in raw milk products. While this is their first major recall, Listeria-related recalls have been frequent in the dairy industry. In fact, this is not the first time Willow Marsh Farm has been under scrutiny for food safety concerns. The company recalled raw milk for Listeria just last month. The recurrence of Listeria issues highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring raw milk safety and the need for stricter preventive measures.

“Food safety should always remain a top priority in the dairy industry. While raw milk has its appeal in niche markets, the risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes and other harmful bacteria cannot be overlooked. To protect public health and maintain consumer trust, producers must commit to strict safety protocols, transparent communication, and proper handling procedures. Ensuring high-quality, contamination-free products should be the industry’s foremost responsibility.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.