The recent detection of the bird flu detected in raw milk sold in California has raised concerns among health experts about the potential dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy products. While raw milk is often marketed as a healthier and more natural alternative to pasteurized milk, the findings highlight its potential to harbor infectious agents that pose significant health risks.
Raw Milk Recall in California
Raw Farm LLC, based in Fresno, California, voluntarily recalled a batch of its cream top whole raw milk after health officials in Santa Clara County detected the bird flu virus in a sample. The affected lot, marked with the code 20241109 and a best-by date of November 27, had been distributed to various retailers. While no illnesses have been linked to the contaminated batch, California health authorities have advised consumers to avoid drinking the milk and instructed retailers to pull it from shelves.
Los Angeles County health officials have also warned that many retailers may have sold the recalled raw milk. State officials have been testing raw milk sold in stores as an added layer of consumer protection.
The Connection Between Bird Flu and Milk
The bird flu detected in raw milk is not entirely unexpected, according to experts. Bird flu, or Type A H5N1 influenza, was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March and has since spread extensively. California has reported infections in more than 435 dairy herds, accounting for the highest number of cases in the country.
Studies conducted by government scientists earlier this year revealed that high levels of the bird flu virus were present in the milk of infected cows. About 20% of samples of pasteurized milk sold in stores contained viral remnants, but the pasteurization process effectively neutralizes the virus along with other harmful bacteria such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella.
In response to the growing threat, California’s Department of Food and Agriculture has been conducting weekly tests on raw milk in bulk tanks at dairies. Additional testing at Raw Farm sites returned negative results for bird flu, but authorities plan to increase testing frequency to twice a week.
Potential Health Risks
While there is currently no evidence of humans contracting bird flu detected in raw milk health experts caution against its consumption. Infections have primarily been reported among dairy and poultry workers who had close contact with infected animals. This year, at least 55 people in the U.S. have been infected with the virus, mostly experiencing mild symptoms.
Animal studies, however, raise concerns. Mice fed raw milk contaminated with bird flu became severely ill, and barn cats that consumed milk from infected cows suffered brain damage and died. These findings suggest the virus could have serious implications for human health.
Experts believe the risks warrant greater caution. Nicole Martin, a microbiologist and associate director of Cornell University’s Milk Quality Improvement Program, emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that the potential for transmission through raw milk remains unclear but concerning.
Who Consumes Raw Milk?
Despite the risks, raw milk has a dedicated consumer base. According to a 2022 FDA study, nearly 4.4% of U.S. adults, or around 11 million people, reported drinking raw milk at least once a year. Approximately 1% of adults consume it weekly.
Supporters of raw milk often cite its perceived health benefits, including claims of superior nutritional content, better taste, and the presence of beneficial bacteria. Some high-profile figures, including President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the nation’s top health role, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are outspoken advocates of raw milk.
Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm, has promoted his products as unprocessed and nutrient-rich, claiming they offer unique benefits compared to pasteurized milk. However, public health officials have long cautioned against these claims, emphasizing the potential for serious illness from consuming unpasteurized dairy.
Expert Warnings on Raw Milk
Health authorities have consistently warned that raw milk can harbor harmful pathogens. Between 1998 and 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented over 200 outbreaks of illness linked to raw milk, affecting more than 2,600 people and leading to over 225 hospitalizations.
Before the establishment of safety standards like the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance in 1924, approximately 25% of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. were linked to dairy consumption. Today, dairy products account for only 1% of such illnesses, a testament to the effectiveness of pasteurization.
The recent bird flu detected in raw milk underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures and highlights the risks of consuming unpasteurized products. Health experts continue to advise consumers to prioritize safety by choosing pasteurized dairy products.
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