Health experts have been warning against consuming raw milk during the H5N1 outbreak now happening among American Dairy herds.
Pasturization should kill the virus found in the milk but there are no set standards on the process. Pasteurization is a process in which the milk is heated to kill bacteria and any other pathogens. The usual temperature is 100 Celsius (212 Fahrenheit).
Personally I have switched to using almond milk which tastes great. Pasteurization works when it is done right but with wide ranging standards, the industry can not be relied upon to get it right.
In November of 2024 regulators recalled two batches of raw milk which had come from a Fresno dairy farm after H5N1 was detected in the milk. The farm was placed under quarantine raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after Nov. 27 were suspended. Despite experts warning about the Bird Flu virus being found in raw milk, sales are up. The incoming head of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy said that raw milk “advances human health”, contradicting the FDA and food scientists.
On December 16, 2024 there was another recall near Modesto California due to H5N1 in a milk tank. The contamination was confirmed at a farm on Maze Boulevard. The pubic was again warned of potential exposure as the avian influenza spreads in dairy products.
Scientists are not sure yet what the risks are for humans consuming raw milk with the H5N1 virus in it. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of Emergency in response to the H5N1 Bird Flu outbreak on December 18, 2024. “This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to the outbreak.” Newsom said in a statement.