Bird Flu Detected In Batch Of Raw Milk Sold In California
ForbesDec 04, 2024
Santa Clara County public health officials announced Sunday that bird flu virus was detected in raw milk samples from Raw Farm, California's largest raw dairy producer.
At the state's request, Raw Farm voluntarily recalled all quart and half-gallon milk products produced on Nov. 9 bearing a specific identification code.
Although no H5 cases have been identified in any cows and only the H5 part of the virus was detected in the collected samples, health officials claim they're still likely contaminated with H5N1.
Raw milk poses significant health risks as it hasn't undergone pasteurization to kill dangerous pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness. The bird flu virus could be dangerous if consumed in large quantities through raw milk, yet thousands of Americans continue to lose their lives thanks to high-profile figures who insist on promoting its consumption.
There's no evidence to support that bird flu gets transmitted from person to person through consumption of raw milk, or that raw milk has no credible health benefits. Raw milk consumption is a matter of consumer choice and natural food options. Excessive regulation of natural dairy products deprives Americans of their rights. FDA's war on public health must end.