A wide-ranging recall of raw milk and cream products has been issued across California due to concerns about potential contamination with bird flu. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed that all raw milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC are being recalled after the detection of bird flu viruses in both their products and at retail and bottling sites.
This recall follows two previous recalls of specific batches and is part of a broader effort to protect public health amidst the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1), also known as bird flu. As of December 3, California has reported 31 human cases of H5N1, with 57 cases nationwide. The majority of these cases are believed to have been caused by direct exposure to cattle.
Raw milk, which has not undergone pasteurization, can carry harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, and now bird flu virus, which can be transmitted through the milk. While pasteurization kills such pathogens, raw milk remains a risky product, especially in light of the current bird flu outbreak.
The recall includes products from Raw Farm, LLC with lot codes from November 9 through November 27, 2024. These products were sold across the state, and the company has been placed under quarantine, halting the distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products produced after November 27.
No illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming the affected products, but the CDPH urges consumers to avoid eating any Raw Farm products, including cheese and kefir, as well as their raw milk pet food topper. The department also warns that raw milk from infected cows can carry high levels of the bird flu virus, and contact with such milk could lead to infection through consumption or accidental inhalation.
The outbreak of bird flu has affected 695 dairy herds across 15 states, with millions of wild birds and poultry also impacted. The CDPH has provided protective gear to dairy workers to reduce the risk of infection.
While there are concerns about the safety of raw milk, the CDPH and CDC emphasize that pasteurized milk remains safe to consume. Pasteurization effectively neutralizes harmful viruses, including bird flu. The CDPH continues to monitor the situation closely, advising the public to exercise caution with raw milk products and prioritize pasteurized alternatives.
- Famous Dave’s Closes 2 Washington Locations Despite Recent Renovations - December 12, 2024
- Will the next SSDI payments in December bring the Social Security COLA increase in 2025? Find it out here - December 12, 2024
- U.S. retirees to get a new payment of $1,927 from Social Security today, or in 7 days - December 12, 2024
