Bird flu has been detected in a batch of raw milk sold in California stores, and the state’s public health department said Sunday that the public should not drink it.
The virus was found during testing of a batch of whole raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC. The company has issued a voluntary recall for the lot, which has an expiration date of Nov. 27, at the request of the state.
No one has gotten sick or contracted the disease from this batch of raw milk, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said. However, he said in a press release: “Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the continued spread of avian influenza in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk.”
Unlike most milk sold in stores, raw milk has not been pasteurized, a process that includes heating to a high temperature to kill harmful germs and viruses.
Public health officials say consuming raw milk can pose serious health risks, especially for certain vulnerable populations, and it is recommended to consume pasteurized milk or dairy products as the process has “greatly reduced milk-borne illnesses.” ” since the beginning of the 20th century, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Outbreaks due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin-producing E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and many other bacteria related to the consumption of raw dairy products have been reported,” the CDPH said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr, whom President-elect Donald Trump has tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is a raw milk fan. Last month in X criticized the Food and Drug Administration’s “aggressive suppression.” Actress and wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow also said in a podcast earlier this year who drinks raw cream in his coffee every morning from Raw Farm, the same brand behind the recall.
The virus was detected during testing by the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory on a sample of raw milk purchased at a retail store. These tests have been carried out by the laboratory “as a second line of consumer protection,” according to the statement. The tests were verified by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.
Following the positive test, the California Department of Food and Agriculture conducted testing at both Raw Farm LLC locations, which returned negative results for the virus. The CDFA will conduct bird flu testing on raw milk banks twice a week.
If you are about to throw away a product due to its expiration date, think twice. This is what you should know. To see more from Telemundo, visit
Fresno County-based Raw Farm announced the voluntary recall of lot ID #20241109 on Sunday. In one short statementthe company said: “All test results conducted by RAW FARM and all official testing by the CDFA (the California state agency that regulates and tests Raw Farm products) have been NEGATIVE. “No illnesses have been reported.”
NBC News has reached out to Raw Farm for comment.
The CDPH said drinking or inhaling raw milk with the bird flu virus can cause illness. Additionally, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with the bird flu virus can also lead to infection.
This comes after California reported 29 confirmed human cases of bird flu since early October, mostly linked to cows, according to the CDPH. Of those cases, 28 had direct contact with infected cows, all cases presented mild symptoms that were mainly eye infections and none required hospitalization.
“No human-to-human transmission of avian flu has been detected in California or the United States,” the news release said.
It is article was originally published in English by Marlene Lenthang for NBC News. For more from NBCNews go to here.
How does the detection of avian flu in raw milk, even without reported illnesses, challenge the safety arguments typically made by proponents of raw milk consumption?
## Interview: Avian Flu Detected in Raw Milk – A Cause for Concern?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into a developing story concerning the detection of avian flu in a batch of raw milk sold in California. We’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a leading epidemiologist specializing in foodborne illnesses, and Ms. Sarah Miller, a consumer advocate and proponent of raw milk consumption.
**Section 1: Understanding the Risks & Recalls**
* **Host:** Dr. Carter, this news has understandably caused some alarm. Can you explain the public health concerns surrounding the detection of avian flu in raw milk?
* **Host:** Ms. Miller, Raw Farm, the company involved in the recall, emphasizes that the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s tests at their facilities have been negative. They also highlight that no illnesses have been reported connected to this specific batch. How do you address these points in the context of broader concerns about raw milk safety?
**Section 2: Pasteurization and the Raw Milk Debate**
* **Host:** Dr. Carter, the article mentions that pasteurization plays a key role in mitigating risks associated with milk consumption. Can you elaborate on the scientific basis for pasteurization and why it’s considered a vital safety measure?
* **Host:** Ms. Miller, many proponents of raw milk argue that pasteurization destroys beneficial nutrients and can negatively impact taste and quality. What are your thoughts on
this debate, and are there any alternative methods that address safety concerns while preserving the perceived benefits of raw milk?
**Section 3: Public Health Policies and Consumer Choice**
* **Host:** Dr. Carter, given the recent increase in human cases of avian flu linked to cows, are there any specific measures being considered by public health officials to further safeguard consumers against potential infections from dairy products?
* **Host:** Ms. Miller, this situation underscores the complexities of consumer choice when it comes to food safety. What role do you believe consumer advocacy plays
in ensuring access to a variety of food choices while also informing the public about associate risks?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: Future Concerns and Solutions**
* **Host:** Dr. Carter, this case raises questions about the potential for avian flu to spread through the food chain. What future implications do you foresee from this
development, and what steps can be taken to minimize risks?
* **Host:** Ms. Miller, what steps do you think individuals can take to stay informed about food safety concerns and make informed decisions about their dietary choices?
Where can they find reliable sources of information on these issues?
**Closing:**
Thank you, Dr. Carter and Ms. Miller, for providing valuable insights into this complex issue. This situation serves as a reminder to remain vigilant
about food safety and to stay informed about developments in public health.
For more information about avian flu and food safety, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or your local health department website.
