Retail Sample of California Raw Milk Recalled Due to Bird Flu Detection

November 25, 2024 TruthUSA

As of now, the state health department has not received any reports of illnesses related to the consumption of raw milk.

Raw Farm, a dairy farm located in Fresno County, California, made a voluntary recall on Nov. 24 for its raw milk product after avian influenza was found in a retail sample.

The company issued a statement stating that only one lot of cream top, whole raw milk with lot code 20241109 and an expiration date of Nov. 27 was being recalled.

The recall was initiated after the County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory detected the presence of the bird flu virus in a sample of raw milk being sold at a retail store in California.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed the detection through the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, according to a statement by CDPH.

Raw Farm has advised stores to remove the affected products from shelves and encouraged consumers to return the milk to the store of purchase for a refund or replacement.

CDPH has warned against consuming the product and assured that no related illnesses have been reported.

“As a precaution, and given the spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and some human cases, it is advisable not to consume any of the affected raw milk,” it added.

CDPH conducted tests at the farm’s facilities post-detection and the results were negative for bird flu. The department will continue to test the milk at the farm twice a week.

Individuals who have consumed the affected milk and experience symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider or local health department promptly.

Health officials warned that bird flu infection can occur if one touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after handling raw milk contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of bird flu infection can include eye redness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and fever.

Raw milk is milk from animals like cows, sheep, and goats that has not undergone pasteurization, a process used to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

Supporters argue that raw milk provides more nutrients, fats, proteins, and other nutritional benefits compared to pasteurized milk. Proponents of raw milk have stated that consumption of raw milk is linked to reduced rates of allergies and eczema.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the potential presence of salmonella, E. coli, and listeria in raw milk, posing “serious health risks” to certain consumers and causing foodborne illnesses.

According to the FDA, these bacteria can lead to sickness in vulnerable individuals such as sick children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems due to underlying conditions like diabetes and cancer.

California has reported 29 human cases of bird flu since October, with almost all linked to direct contact with infected dairy cows. The affected individuals have experienced mild symptoms, including eye infections, according to the state health department.

Source link