A Fresno-based dairy producer, Raw Farm, has been forced to suspend its operations after officials found the bird flu virus in its products. The company, which produces raw milk, cheeses, pet foods, and other dairy products, will not distribute any raw milk products until further notice.
State officials discovered the presence of the H5N1 virus in samples collected last month. All milk tested by inspectors was recalled from the plant and not released to consumers. Investigations are ongoing into Raw Farm’s operations.
This comes after the company voluntarily recalled two batches of raw milk earlier this year due to a bird flu detection. The recall was prompted by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s discovery of the virus in those products.
Raw milk is unpasteurized milk that has not been heat-treated to kill bacteria and other pathogens. While advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argue that raw milk can be safe, health experts warn of its risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against consuming raw milk due to the risk of serious diseases.
Kennedy, a proponent of raw milk, has asked the company’s CEO to apply for an advisory role with the FDA on raw milk policy. However, the FDA has previously debunked claims that raw milk has health benefits, stating there is no evidence it treats specific conditions or works better than pasteurized milk in preventing diseases.
The sale of raw milk is banned in several countries and multiple US states, including those across the South.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/raw-milk-suspended-bird-flu_n_674f3b50e4b09eadf0e789bc