Does this press statement from CDPH explain why it never alerted the public to 165 people with Salmonella linked to Raw Milk?

Actually, No.

Readers, can you help me understand why CDPH would not tell the public that there had been an outbreak liked to raw milk with at least 165 sick, 20 hospitalized with nearly 40% being children 5 or younger?

Here is the press statement:

CDPH takes its charge to protect public health seriously and works closely with all partners when a foodborne illness outbreak is identified. After being alerted by San Diego County Public Health last October about multiple Salmonellosis cases, CDPH conducted a robust public health investigation in concert with local officials and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which regulates raw milk producers in California. On October 24, 2023, CDPH posted a food recall notice on its website (see attachment). (That notice was later archived upon conclusion of the investigation.) The department also notified the public of the recall on social media multiple times (see links below). CDPH, working with CDFA asked firm management at Raw Farm for a voluntary recall. Raw Farm was cooperative and posted a recall on October 25. Because the majority of illnesses were reported in San Diego county, San Diego County Public Health led the public notification process (media releases are available on their website, including one on October 20 and October 25). The outbreak and case investigation handled by CDPH ended on May 4, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was aware of the investigation and assisted with some coordination with cases in other states.

Social media posts related to recall:

Thank you,

California Department of Public Health / Office of Communications

www.cdph.ca.gov

In addition to the one that has sickened at least 165 and was recalled in October 2023.

2024 Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:

February 2024 E. coli Raw Milk Cheese Outbreak and Recall

Other 2023 Raw Farm LLC Recalls and Outbreaks:
May 2023 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
August 2023 Salmonella Cheese Recall 

Here is bit(e) of history:

Organic Pastures Dairy Company (OPDC) & Raw Farm 
Started OPDC in 2000 – Changed name to Raw Farm LLC in 2020

Organic Pastures Dairy Company Recalls and Outbreaks:
September 2006 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 6 ill/2 HUS 
September 2007 Raw Cream Listeria Recall
December 2007 Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak: 8 ill 
September 2008 Raw Cream Campylobacter Recall
November 2011 Raw Milk E.coli Outbreak: 5 ill/3 HUS 
May 2012 Campylobacter Raw Milk/Cream Outbreak: 10 ill, reported illnesses from Jan. thru April
October 2015 Campylobacter Raw Milk Recall
January 2016 E.coli Raw Milk Outbreak: 9 ill/2 HUS

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.