FDA Finds No Evidence of Infectious Bird Flu Virus in Powdered Infant Formula, Cottage Cheese, or Sour Cream
The agency is conducting tests on retail dairy products in response to an outbreak of bird flu affecting dairy cow herds.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that retail dairy samples tested negative for a highly pathogenic avian flu strain, reinforcing the safety of America’s pasteurized milk supply.
On May 1, the FDA reported that 297 retail dairy samples, including fluid milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, and powdered infant formula, were tested for the presence of live, infectious bird flu virus. None of the samples contained any active fragments of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu.
Multiple dairy cattle herds in nine states have tested positive for the H5N1 virus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Testing Dairy Products For Bird Flu
The FDA began testing various pasteurized retail milk products last week to determine if they contain any live bird flu virus after detecting HPAI viral fragments in milk from grocery stores. Follow-up tests using egg inoculation checks did not show any live virus in the samples, further confirming the absence of infectious bird flu in retail dairy products.
The FDA continues to identify additional products for testing to ensure consumer safety and emphasizes the effectiveness of pasteurization in eliminating the virus. The agency also warns against consuming raw milk.
Bird flu has been detected in multiple dairy herds in nine states, primarily originating from herds in Texas.
Dairy Cow Testing
The USDA and APHIS have implemented testing requirements for lactating dairy cows moving between states to control the spread of bird flu.
Farm owners are encouraged to cooperate with health agencies and monitor farm workers exposed to infected cattle for respiratory illness symptoms.
The USDA advises dairy and poultry producers to enhance biosecurity measures to prevent disease spread in herds and flocks.
Colombia is the only country restricting beef imports from U.S. states with confirmed cases of bird flu in dairy cows.
Ground Beef Testing
Federal food safety inspectors are testing ground beef for avian influenza in states where dairy cows have tested positive for bird flu.
The USDA confirms ongoing beef safety studies and assures the public of the safety of the meat supply.
Consumers are advised to handle and cook raw meats properly to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
