California health officials have issued a warning against consuming a batch of raw milk sold in the state after it tested positive for bird flu. The contaminated milk, produced by Raw Farm LLC of Fresno County, was recalled due to the potential health risks associated with the virus.
The recall affects quart and half-gallon sizes of Raw Farm’s raw milk with the lot ID of 20241109 and a best-by date of November 27th. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it and to discard it immediately.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing of raw milk products by the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory. Further testing by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory confirmed the presence of the H5 bird flu virus in the milk.
While no illnesses have been linked to the contaminated milk, health officials are urging caution due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in various animal populations and sporadic human cases. Pasteurized milk remains safe to drink.
Raw Farm LLC has stated that it is following standard safety procedures to monitor its cows for illness and that the recalled milk should no longer be available in stores. The company maintains that its own tests and those conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) have been negative for bird flu.
Raw milk, which is not pasteurized, can carry disease-causing pathogens and poses a higher risk of illness compared to pasteurized milk. Health officials have long cautioned against consuming raw milk due to the potential for serious health complications.
The recent bird flu outbreak in the US has renewed interest in raw milk, with some proponents believing it to be a healthier option. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 55 human cases of bird flu in 2024, mostly linked to farm workers in contact with infected animals. Last week, the first case in a child was identified in California, prompting further investigation into the source of exposure.
Bird flu symptoms in humans include typical flu-like symptoms such as eye redness, sore throat, cough, and fever. Anyone who has consumed the recalled raw milk and experiences these symptoms is advised to contact their healthcare provider or local health department immediately.
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