By Redaccion
[email protected]
Key Points:
• The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises against consuming a specific lot of raw milk due to bird flu detection.
• Raw Farm, LLC, a Fresno County dairy producer, has voluntarily recalled the affected batch.
• Pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning to consumers to avoid drinking a specific lot of raw, cream-top whole milk produced by Raw Farm, LLC, after bird flu was detected in a sample.
At the state’s request, Raw Farm, LLC voluntarily recalled the affected lot, identified as code 20241109 with a “Best By” date of November 27, 2024.
Consumers who purchased this product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. While no illnesses linked to this batch have been reported, public health officials stress the importance of avoiding consumption as a precaution.
Detection and Testing
The Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory initially detected bird flu in a sample taken from a retail store. This finding was later confirmed by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. Following the detection, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducted additional tests at Raw Farm’s facilities, all of which came back negative. However, CDFA has increased testing frequency at dairy facilities to twice weekly as a precautionary measure.
Health Risks of Raw Milk
Public health experts consistently advise against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to the heightened risk of foodborne illnesses. Pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Brucella, and Campylobacter are commonly linked to raw dairy consumption.
The pasteurization process, which heats milk to eliminate harmful microorganisms, ensures that pasteurized milk is safe to drink. Raw milk, however, bypasses this process and carries the risk of contamination, including with bird flu virus.
Human infection with bird flu can occur through direct contact with contaminated raw milk or by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after handling such products. Symptoms in humans may include eye redness, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever, and in rare cases, more severe respiratory issues. Individuals experiencing these symptoms after consuming raw milk are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
State Response to Bird Flu
Since the detection of bird flu in California dairy herds, the state has increased surveillance and testing to protect public health. Efforts include weekly testing of bulk tank raw milk and enhanced protocols in response to this latest retail detection.
The CDPH and CDFA have also partnered with other agencies to contain the spread of the virus and raise awareness among vulnerable communities, including farm workers and dairy producers. Measures include distributing personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting multilingual outreach, and ensuring access to vaccines and healthcare for at-risk individuals.
Bird Flu in California
To date, California has reported 29 human cases of bird flu, primarily among individuals with direct contact with infected dairy cows. All cases have involved mild symptoms, and no human-to-human transmission has been identified. However, public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, given the potential for the virus to mutate and spread more easily among humans.
Safety Measures and Public Education
The state has outlined steps to prevent infection, including proper hygiene after handling raw milk, avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces, and consuming only pasteurized milk products. Public education campaigns and targeted social media outreach aim to inform consumers and industry workers about the risks of raw milk and bird flu.
Additional Resources
For the latest updates on California’s bird flu response, visit the CDPH Bird Flu webpage or CDFA’s H5N1 Bird Flu Virus in Livestock site. For work-related inquiries, contact the Cal/OSHA Call Center at 1-833-579-0927. Farmers can report suspected cases of bird flu to the CDFA hotline at 866-922-2473.
California’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to public health and safety. Consumers are reminded to prioritize safe practices by choosing pasteurized milk products and staying informed through official state channels.
