United States: Federal and state officials report that pasteurized milk sold in supermarkets and grocery stores is safe from bird flu, while raw milk poses risks.
The H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in the US milk supply earlier this year, but pasteurization effectively killed the virus through heat.
That’s when authorities began issuing warnings advising people to avoid raw milk, which some groups promote as a “healthier” option.
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On Friday, several officials resolved to increase daily testing for milk on farms because the public cannot swallow a virus and because the spread of the virus across farms would be easier to detect using this method.
It is now certain that some unpasteurized milk is contaminated with H5N1 virus.
Last week, California public health officials reported a voluntary recall by Raw Farm LLC, where the virus was found in raw milk and cream at its bottling and storage facilities, USA Today reported.
While nobody has been infected with bird flu while eating their morning cereal or latte, there is considerable evidence that bird flu can spread through infected raw milk.
Raw Farm CEO and founder Mark McAfee also asked why California officials had ordered him to remove his products from the store and claimed that they were overreacting as no one had come close to getting ill.
Raw milk and pasteurization
Raw milk does not get pasteurized; this is a process that was invented over one hundred years ago and targets the eradication of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Such cheese made from raw milk contains bacteria that are dangerous to human health, as reported by the US Department of Agriculture.
Raw milk remains perfectly legal to be sold directly to consumers across Californian stores, which is the largest producer in the state of the country and has witnessed over 500 affected herds of bird flu.
Some states actually outlaw the sale of raw milk in any form. Those who support raw milk are quick to note that the product, for instance, is loaded with enzymes, probiotics, protein, and vitamins as compared to pasteurized milk.
They also help in preventing chronic health issues like asthma and allergies, as well as ear and respiratory infections.