Dairy farm pledges cooperation with probe into listeria deaths

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

The Central Massachusetts dairy under investigation for its role in four cases of a serious bacterial infection is pledging to cooperate with state disease trackers. Two of the victims, elderly men, died earlier this year after developing a condition called listeriosis.

"We are a family owned and operated business with a reputation for providing fresh farm milk to our customers," Whittier Farms said in a statement. "We strive to produce the best product and therefore we are extremely concerned about the situation and will be working to obtain the results of the investigation. As soon as we receive more information, we will provide further details."

The mom-and-pop farm, which voluntarily halted production yesterday, does not sell its products through major retailers, company officials and major grocers confirmed today. Karen Peirce, a spokeswoman for Shaw's Supermarkets, said none of its stores carry Whittier products.

The state Department of Public Health last night urged consumers to stop drinking all Whittier products, including milk sold under brand names such as Whittier, Schultz, Balance Rock, Spring Brook, and Maple. The dairy's customers are mainly in Worcester County, buying the milk at Whittier's two stores in West Sutton and Shrewsbury, or having it delivered directly to their doorstep.

The owner of one of the companies that delivers Whittier milk recorded a heart-felt message on his business's phone line. In the recording, Maple Farm Dairy owner Brian Gay says that "due to the media reports ... I am forced to stop delivery of all Whittier Farms products. I am as shocked by these news reports as I'm sure all of you are and have little information at this time. Your deliveries will be affected for approximately one week. I'm going to line up another milk source. Please throw away any milk that you have just in case, and you will be credited."