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Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Raw Milk from Byers Organic Dairy in Franklin County

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard Byers Organic Dairy brand raw milk purchased between July 8 and July 10, 2025, with sell-by dates of July 22 and July 23, 2025. Routine milk samples were tested and confirmed to be contaminated with Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacteria.

Milk was sold in plastic half-gallon and gallon containers at the farm’s store at 10139 Church Hill Road Mercersburg, Franklin County. The store has removed the milk from their shelves, but could not supply a list of customers who purchased it.

Shigatoxin-producing E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. Children under five, adults over 65, and people with compromised immune systems may be at risk.

No reported illnesses have been attributed to the product. Anyone who consumed the raw milk should consult a physician if they become ill.

Information about drinking raw milk can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s food safety inspection services help to ensure that food sold in Pennsylvania is safe. For more information about food safety in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.