A California dairy has broadened its recall of raw milk products sold in stores and ceased production after health officials identified bird flu virus traces in additional milk samples.
Raw Farm, located in Fresno, has voluntarily pulled all whole milk and cream products off the shelves late Tuesday. This recall decision came after officials found the bird flu virus in several samples from retail products as well as in dairy storage and bottling facilities. The recall encompasses all Raw Farm milk and cream harvested between November 9 and November 27.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has quarantined the farm and prohibited the distribution of raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products made after November 27.
Officials strongly advise Californians against consuming any raw milk or cream products they may have at home or those remaining on store shelves.
This action follows the earlier recall of two lots of Raw Farm products after the initial detection of bird flu in retail milk on November 21.
To date, no confirmed instances of the bird flu virus have occurred in individuals who consumed raw milk, according to health officials. Pasteurized milk is treated at high temperatures to eliminate the virus and is deemed safe for consumption.
Pet owners are also urged to refrain from feeding their animals any Raw Farm products labeled as “pet food topper” or “pet food kefir,” as these can pose health risks to pets. It has been reported that cats on farms with infected cows have suffered brain damage and even died after ingesting tainted raw milk.
The bird flu virus, known scientifically as Type A H5N1 avian influenza, was identified in U.S. dairy cows for the first time in March. The virus has spread swiftly, particularly within California, which accounts for nearly 500 of the approximately 700 infected herds nationwide.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the virus has impacted 57 people in the U.S. this year, including 31 cases in California. A limited number of mild illnesses have been observed in dairy and poultry workers who had close contact with the infected animals. In two separate instances involving an adult in Missouri and a child in California, the source of the illnesses remains unknown. However, there have been no detected cases of human-to-human transmission of bird flu within the U.S.
Health experts have consistently cautioned against the consumption of raw milk, which may harbor harmful germs leading to a range of illnesses from mild to severe.
Mark McAfee, the owner of Raw Farm, has called for reduced regulation concerning raw milk. In an Instagram update on Wednesday, farm representatives indicated they are striving to restore their supply promptly. “There are no illnesses connected with H5N1 in our products. Rather, this situation is political,” the post stated. “There are no food safety concerns with our offerings or consumer safety. We are seeking a resolution to this political situation while cooperating with our regulatory agencies.”
In the meantime, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., selected for a key health position in the country, has pledged to support broader distribution of raw milk. McAfee disclosed that Kennedy is a consumer of his products. Kennedy has criticized agriculture regulatory bodies for their crackdown on raw milk and assured that the aggressive restriction imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on unpasteurized milk will conclude under the upcoming administration.