LOS ANGELES (KABC) — That cold glass of raw milk could come with an unexpected and dangerous side of bird flu.
California public health officials are now warning consumers not to drink a batch of raw milk after it tested positive for the virus.
Keany says raw milk can also carry harmful bacteria that could lead to serious illness or death.
A recall was issued on raw milk products from Fresno-based Raw Farm, formally Organic Pastures Dairy Company, following the bird flu detection.
But when it comes to raw milk, the best protection is science.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Bird flu may arrive with an unanticipated and hazardous side effect. After a batch of raw milk tested positive for the virus, California public health officials are now cautioning consumers not to consume it.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Keany stated, “That’s not necessarily going to be one that transmits to humans but it’s exposing humans to a new form of the bird flu and we’d rather not have those interact and create some kind of flu that could cause a big outbreak.”. Long Beach, Mary’s.
Raw milk can also contain dangerous bacteria that can cause fatalities or severe illness, according to Keany.
After the bird flu was discovered, Raw Farm, formerly known as Organic Pastures Dairy Company, located in Fresno, recalled its raw milk products.
According to Mitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, a group that works to increase public awareness of foodborne illnesses, “this particular dairy that is involved in this recall has been implicated in a number of recalls over the year including the bird flu right now, E coli, and previously salmonella.” The most recent recall is a part of a concerning trend.
The recent recall, according to Baum, is a part of a concerning pattern. The organization claims that ready-to-eat meats, deli meats, organic carrots, and onions used in hamburgers are among the other products that are being recalled.
Many families might be more worried about food safety than ever now that the holidays are here.
“I am aware that people get anxious when they hear about food recalls. Actually, having good monitoring and surveillance makes me feel a little better,” Keany remarked.
However, science offers the best defense against raw milk.
“Pastesterization is a scientifically proven method of eliminating harmful bacteria, and if it is not used on milk, there is a risk of an outbreak,” Baum stated.
