A SOUTH Lakeland farm linked to a food poisoning outbreak has today been banned from selling raw milk.

Upwards of 60 people are now believed to have suffered food poisoning after drinking unpasteurised milk from Low Sizergh Farm, near Kendal.

Just before Christmas, Food Standard Agency (FSA) officers imposed an emergency prohibition notice on the farm, run by the Park family, after six cases were confirmed of people being affected by campylobacter bacteria linked to raw milk being bought from a vending machine.

But a further 50 possible cases have now been identified following a joint investigation by the FSA, Public Health England and South Lakeland District Council. A spokesman for SLDC said that those who have been unwell range in age from one to 86.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The emergency notice has today been made into a permanent order following a hearing brought by the FSA at Furness Magistrates' Court.

Public Health England today issued a statement saying that it along with the North West’s Cumbria and Lancashire’s Health Protection team in partnership with environmental health officers from SLDC, Cumbria County Council and the FSA continue to investigate the outbreak of food poisoning associated with the consumption of raw milk from Low Sizergh Farm.

"To date there have been six confirmed cases of campylobacter," read the statement. "Investigations have revealed a further 50 probable cases amongst people who had visited to the farm."

Dr John Astbury, from the Cumbria and Lancashire Health Protection Team, said: “We are working with our partners to investigate these cases and ensure measures are in place to prevent the spread of illness.”