Health officials have recently issued warnings after the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in raw milk produced by Raw Farm, LLC, based out of Fresno County, California. This development raises immediate concerns around public safety, especially as raw milk consumption, known for its health benefits among certain groups, now aligns with considerable health risks.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported on November 24, 2024, the existence of the virus after retail samples tested positive for contamination. The affected product is labeled as "cream top whole raw milk" and carries the lot code 20241109. The initial purchase of the sample was made by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department on November 21, 2024, as part of their surveillance for bird flu among milk.
Following the alarming findings, Raw Farm has taken the precautionary step of recalling the batch of raw milk. Customers who purchased this product are advised to return it to the point of sale for refunds, emphasizing the government’s decision was made out of “an abundance of caution” due to the increasing virus spread among livestock and occasional human infections. No illnesses have yet been reported related to the consumption of this specific batch.
Despite this, the prevalence of H5N1 among dairy cattle has become evident, with the CDPH noting over 400 herds testing positive across California. National statistics suggest this issue is not confined to the West Coast, as H5N1 has been identified across 15 states, affecting various livestock.
Michael Osterholm, the director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy, noted, “This is not a surprise.” He warned the public about the significant risks associated with consuming raw milk from infected livestock, stating, “We don’t know what oral consumption of milk will do [to humans],” referencing laboratory studies where raw milk significantly impacted health.
Notably, the consumption of raw milk has been controversial within health circles. Proponents argue for its health benefits, whereas the CDC and FDA often highlight the risks. The CDC has reported instances of salmonella, listeria, and E. coli linked to raw milk consumption. CDPH encourages consumers to avoid unpasteurized dairy, especially considering the presence of H5N1, which poses severe consequences for those infected.
Raw milk enthusiasts are facing compounded challenges, especially as this recent incident coincides with increased scrutiny on dairy practices, largely emphasized by politically charged figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal about raw milk promote its health benefits and criticized the FDA for its regulatory approach.
Earlier this year, the FDA examined retail dairy products and found fragments of the H5N1 virus in approximately 20% of the tested raw milk samples. Yet, their assessments maintained the safety of commercially processed pasteurized milk, which undergoes heat treatment aimed at eliminating harmful pathogens. This process has been shown to effectively kill viruses and bacteria, ensuring the safety of the dairy supply even when raw milk samples test positive for such viruses.
The dynamics between raw and pasteurized milk consumption will remain at the forefront of public health discussions. Current testing protocols have also been adjusted, with CDPH committing to more frequent inspections of bulk milk tanks at facilities linked with the affected Raw Farm. Following this incident, the department’s focus on H5N1 follows reports of 29 human cases of the virus this year, predominantly within California.
The raw milk outbreak highlights the broader challenge of managing pathogens within livestock industries and corresponding food safety policies. The CDPH has underscored the importance of consumer awareness. They reiterated, “Out of caution, we urge consumers not to consume raw milk products from the affected lot.”
Statewide responses have included enhanced testing measures and preventive actions, aiming to quell any public health risks stemming from the bird flu outbreak. While some health advocates continue to lobby for the benefits of raw milk, the health authorities call for rigorous caution.
Consumers are reminded of the long-standing debates surrounding raw versus pasteurized milk, particularly how each type plays a role amid increasing disease outbreaks linked to livestock. The observed outcomes from the current H5N1 prevalence serve as yet another reminder for consumers to prioritize safety and informed decisions when it regards dairy products and their respective sources.
