California reports more illnesses in people who drank raw milk. Here are the risks, according to Hea.
Raw Milk Linked to Illnesses in California, No Evidence of Bird Flu Detected
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has reported at least 10 cases of illness linked to raw milk consumption, although none have been identified as bird flu-related.
Since announcing multiple recalls of raw milk due to contamination with bird flu, state, and local public health experts have received reports of illnesses from 10 individuals who consumed raw milk, a CDPH spokesperson stated Thursday. Initial testing by county and state public health laboratories has not identified bird flu infections in these individuals.
Details regarding the illnesses remain limited, and the CDPH has not provided further updates on the affected individuals.
In Northern California, public health officials are investigating a separate incident involving a child who became ill after consuming raw milk in November. Marin County Public Health reported that the child, who presented with fever and vomiting, tested positive for influenza A at a local emergency department. However, follow-up testing by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found no evidence of bird flu.
Raw milk has gained popularity in recent years, bolstered by high-profile supporters such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Advocates claim raw milk offers nutritional benefits, but health experts warn that any potential advantages are outweighed by the significant health risks.
Raw milk and some types of raw cheese can harbor dangerous pathogens, explained a food safety expert. Lab tests show that bird flu virus in raw milk can remain infectious, posing a serious health threat.
Recent recalls highlight these risks. Fresno-based Raw Farm, a producer of raw milk and cream products, halted distribution last month after samples tested positive for bird flu. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has also reported two possible bird flu cases in indoor cats that consumed raw milk from the company.
The growing concern over raw milk contamination has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand testing efforts. The USDA announced plans to test raw milk stored in dairy silos across the country as part of an initiative to monitor and mitigate the spread of bird flu.
Despite its advocates, experts caution against consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Pasteurization, a process that heats milk to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, remains the safest method for ensuring milk is free of dangerous pathogens.
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding raw milk, said a dairy scientist. Pasteurization doesn’t diminish the nutritional value of milk but does protect consumers from serious illnesses. The risks associated with raw milk far outweigh any supposed benefits.
As public health investigations continue, officials urge consumers to prioritize safety by avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and staying informed about food recalls.
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