California has suspended the distribution of raw milk products from Raw Farm after two retail samples tested positive for bird flu, state officials reported. The virus has spread among U.S. dairy cattle since March, infecting nearly 500 herds in California. Although no humans have contracted bird flu from raw milk, public health authorities caution against consuming it due to the risk of pathogens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration assures that pasteurized milk products are safe, as pasteurization eliminates the virus.
Raw Farm, the largest U.S. raw milk dairy, produces 70,000 gallons of milk weekly from its 1,700 cows. Despite raw milk making up less than 1% of U.S. milk sales, the product remains controversial. Last week, California’s Department of Public Health recalled two lots of Raw Farm’s milk, prompting the suspension of its distribution and quarantine of the farm. Raw Farm owner Mark McAfee confirmed the farm’s milk tested positive for bird flu on November 28.
McAfee, who is being considered for a potential FDA policy role by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s team, noted that during the distribution pause, his milk will be sent for pasteurization and sold under other labels. Santa Clara County, the only California county currently testing retail raw milk, has been conducting tests on milk from dairies in the area. The USDA is also expanding its testing efforts to curb bird flu among dairy herds.
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