California is suspending raw dairy products after bird flu was discovered, health officials say

California is suspending raw dairy products after bird flu was discovered, health officials say

According to California health officials, all raw whole milk and cream products still on shelves manufactured by Raw Farm LLC are being voluntarily recalled after multiple avian influenza viruses were detected in the company’s milk and milk supply last week.

Officials have also quarantined the farm and suspended any redistribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after November 27.

Containers of Raw Farm raw milk are displayed on a shelf at the Berkeley Bowl on November 25, 2024 in Berkeley, California.

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“Californians are strongly advised not to consume any raw milk or cream products in their possession or still on store shelves,” the California Department of Public Health said in a statement Tuesday. “Pasteurized milk remains drinkable.”

No human cases of bird flu linked to the product have been confirmed so far, officials said. However, high levels of avian influenza viruses have been found in raw milk, and health officials believe that raw milk is contagious to humans.

“We are working to resolve this policy issue while engaging with our state regulators,” Fresno-based Raw Milk said in a statement posted on its website.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has previously warned about the dangers of consuming raw milk that does not undergo pasteurization – a process that kills viruses and bacteria.

Containers of Raw Farm raw milk are displayed on a shelf at the Berkeley Bowl on November 25, 2024 in Berkeley, California.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

“Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, or goats that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria,” according to the FDA. “This raw, unpasteurized milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria, which are responsible for causing many foodborne illnesses.”

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