Officials at the federal and state levels assert that pasteurized milk found in grocery stores is free from bird flu; however, they warn against the consumption of raw milk. How can you be sure that your milk is safe? The H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in the milk supply in the U.S. earlier this […]
Officials at the federal and state levels assert that pasteurized milk found in grocery stores is free from bird flu; however, they warn against the consumption of raw milk.
How can you be sure that your milk is safe?
The H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in the milk supply in the U.S. earlier this year ‒ yet the strain discovered by researchers was inactive, rendered so by the quick process of pasteurization.
In response, authorities began advising the public to steer clear of raw milk, which some claim is “healthier.”
On Friday, authorities intensified testing of milk produced on farms, aiming to prevent the public from ingesting the virus while also swiftly tracking its proliferation among dairy operations.
It is undisputed that some unpasteurized milk carries the H5N1 virus. Recently, California public health authorities announced a voluntary recall from Raw Farm LLC after the virus was identified in their raw milk and cream at bottling and storage facilities.
While no one has contracted bird flu from their morning cereal or coffee as of yet, there is significant evidence that raw milk can transmit the virus.
Nevertheless, Mark McAfee, CEO and founder of Raw Farm, challenged why California officials requested he remove his products from sale, arguing that they were overreacting since no illnesses have emerged thus far.
“This is merely the latest convenient platform to attack the legality of raw milk in California!” he expressed in an email to USA TODAY. “Protect consumers from what???”
Here are some points to ponder as you determine which milk to purchase and consume:
What constitutes raw milk?
Raw milk is not subjected to pasteurization, a technique created over a century ago designed to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Cheese made with raw milk may also harbor harmful pathogens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Raw milk is permitted for retail sale within California, which is the largest dairy state and has experienced over 500 bird flu outbreaks in herds. Several states outright ban the sale of raw milk.
Since 1987, there has been a federal prohibition on its sale across state borders.
Is raw milk beneficial for health?
Advocates for raw milk argue that it contains higher levels of enzymes, probiotics (the “good bacteria”), proteins, and vitamins than its pasteurized counterpart. They also claim it helps mitigate chronic health issues like asthma and allergies, in addition to ear infections, respiratory issues, and fevers, referencing studies of children residing on farms in Europe.
However, there is minimal scientific proof backing these assertions, remarked John Lucey, director of the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin and a food science educator.
“In short, there are no verified advantages,” he told USA TODAY.
“Such claims are misleading,” he added. “This is akin to snake oil.”
What raw milk does harbor, he noted, is an abundance of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens which can lead to illness in people.
Prior to pasteurization, many individuals frequently fell ill and some even died from raw milk consumption, contracting illnesses such as tuberculosis, and raw milk is still significantly more prone to harbor bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
“I have no patience for farmers who knowingly place others at risk with their farm products,” stated Lucey, who has a background in dairy farming.
Who is at risk from raw milk?
Pathogens present in raw milk can lead to diarrhea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and fever. While these symptoms might not be severe for some, they can result in significant, even life-threatening illnesses for those with compromised immune systems, such as infants, young children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals, noted Lucey, who has researched the risks and rewards of raw milk consumption.
In 2023 and 2024, over 100 individuals experienced salmonella infections tied to raw milk from Raw Farm, the same company embroiled in current raw milk recalls due to bird flu. A minimum of seven patients required hospitalization, with 40% of those affected being children. The information only became available through court documents released over the summer, USA TODAY reported.
In a July 11 blog post, Raw Farm characterized the investigation as stemming from a “corrupt, biased agenda,” including from the Food and Drug Administration and the media. “This is merely the latest episode in a long history of deceitful tactics,” the post claimed. “If you encounter alarming and dubious headlines, please understand we are in a battleground against a dishonest system that opposes raw milk.”
Before this incident, the company’s products had been associated with multiple E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter outbreaks, according to the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research.
How can raw milk be contaminated by pathogens?
Bacteria and viruses capable of causing illnesses are found throughout farms.
Bacteria such as E. coli exist in feces or soil, so when cows lie down, they can pick up contaminated materials onto their udders, explained Dr. Meghan Davis, an associate professor of environmental health and engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Typically, there are procedures in place to clean udders and equipment prior to milking. Nonetheless, some bacteria may remain and contaminate the milk. While pasteurization eliminates these pathogens, they can survive in raw milk.
Milk samples can test positive for bird flu well before cows exhibit any symptoms, as noted by Dr. K. Fred Gingrich II, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, which represents veterinarians who care for cows.
When bird flu first appeared in cows in Texas earlier this year, barn cats were dying on affected dairy farms due to consuming raw milk, according to Davis. Studies have also demonstrated that ferrets and mice can become severely ill or die from contaminated milk.
Human infections with bird flu have primarily occurred among dairy and poultry workers. At dairies, officials suggest transmission to employees takes place when they are in close proximity to infected animals. This includes situations where individuals are close to udders and raw milk, where the virus concentration is highest. They may become infected if they handle contaminated equipment or if milk splashes onto them and they subsequently touch their face.
Currently, the infections among dairy workers have been relatively mild, including symptoms like eye irritation. Thus far, there have been no instances of person-to-person transmission.
Nevertheless, viruses undergo constant mutations, which raises concerns that changes in bird flu could enhance its transmissibility or lead to more severe illnesses.
A recent study indicated that a single mutation in the H5N1 virus could facilitate its spread among humans. Officials have stated that flu viruses, including H5N1, continuously mutate, making it only a matter of time before such a mutation occurs.
What is the role of pasteurization?
Pasteurization is a historical technique for eliminating pathogens through heat, time, and pressure. Prior to the widespread availability of pasteurized milk, one in four foodborne illnesses was traced back to dairy, as reported by the FDA.
In the context of bird flu, pasteurization effectively eliminates the virus. While traces of the virus’s genetic material might still be found, the actual viral machinery is rendered nonviable and unable to replicate, as explained by Lucey.
How can I obtain probiotics or ‘less processed’ goods?
The presence of high levels of bacteria in raw milk does not imply that these bacteria are beneficial or “probiotic,” according to Davis. Probiotics must be non-pathogenic, while raw milk may contain harmful bacteria, as the FDA has cautioned.
In comparison, pasteurized items like yogurt or kefir indeed possess probiotics formed during fermentation and offer quantifiable health benefits, including boosting immune function, as noted by Davis.
For those seeking a “less processed” milk alternative, she suggests opting for pasteurized whole milk or cream.
Trump’s stance on raw milk
Recently, raw milk has gained attention due to bird flu, and also because of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s firm advocacy for it. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kennedy for the role of secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises most health-related government sectors.
Kennedy’s backing for raw milk has surged demand, according to McAfee, who mentioned in a November 30 conversation with USA TODAY that the recall will further strain the already limited supplies of Raw Farm products.
“At present, the market is experiencing turmoil due to RFK’s influence, alongside the food-as-medicine trend,” he stated.
Kennedy, who resides in California, has been a long-time patron of Raw Farm, McAfee indicated.
According to McAfee, Kennedy’s team reached out to discuss a potential advisory role regarding FDA’s raw milk regulations and policies.
In an email, a representative from the Trump transition team indicated that McAfee has not interacted with anyone at the upcoming HHS or the Presidential Personnel Office responsible for appointing political roles.
As the bird flu continues to affect U.S. dairy operations, Lucey from the Dairy Research Center hopes that individuals don’t take undue risks simply because the current infections have been mild. Previous H5N1 outbreaks in other regions have resulted in fatalities among as many as half of those infected.
“I sincerely hope no one is harmed,” he remarked. “But I’m not ignoring the reality.”
