The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today warned consumers in Sullivan County and the surrounding area not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from Diehl Homestead Farm due to possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) contamination. Diehl Homestead Farm is located at 93 Diehl Road, Callicoon, NY 12723. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the Department associated with this product.
A routine sample of the milk collected by an inspector from the Department was discovered to be contaminated with STEC. On July 23, 2026, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on July 28, 2026, confirmed the presence of STEC in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of harmful bacteria.
The Department recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from Diehl Homestead Farm immediately dispose of it and call (845) 796-8867.
People become infected with STEC through eating or drinking contaminated food or water or through contact with animals, environments, or other people. Infection most typically occurs by eating contaminated food, particularly raw or undercooked meat. Infection can also occur after eating any product contaminated with STEC, including lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, salami, and raw (unpasteurized) milk, juice, or cider. The bacteria live in the intestines of healthy cattle, and contamination of their meat may occur during the slaughtering process. Infected people can spread STEC to other people if they do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.
Symptoms of STEC infections can vary, but most often include severe diarrhea (loose stool/poop), stomach cramps, and vomiting. Diarrhea is often bloody and usually little, or no, fever is present. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after eating (or having direct contact with) a contaminated product but can range from one to ten days.
In some people, particularly children under five years of age, STEC infection can lead to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious life-threatening disease that can cause kidney damage or failure and other serious problems. Hospitalization is often required because transfusions of blood, plasma exchange, or kidney dialysis may be necessary. Fortunately, most people with HUS recover completely within a few weeks, although, for some, it can be fatal.
It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time. Pasteurization kills the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including HUS.
