California has reported at least 10 cases of illness in individuals who consumed raw milk, according to the California Department of Public Health, CNN reports.
While health officials have not identified any cases of bird flu among those affected, the illnesses follow a series of recalls related to raw milk contamination, including concerns about the presence of bird flu in milk.
The raw milk in question comes from Fresno-based Raw Farm, which faced distribution suspensions after bird flu was detected in samples of its milk. Health authorities have also investigated a case of possible bird flu in a child who became ill after drinking raw milk in November, though tests for influenza were negative. Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture is ramping up efforts to test raw milk across the country in response to concerns about the virus.
Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized, has long been a controversial subject. Supporters claim that it offers nutritional benefits, though health experts argue that the risks far outweigh any potential advantages. Without pasteurization, raw milk can harbor harmful pathogens like E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and Cryptosporidium, all of which can cause severe illnesses, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals. In rare cases, these pathogens can lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney failure or neurological issues.
Health professionals emphasize that pasteurization is a crucial safety measure, eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens. The process, which involves heating milk to a specific temperature to kill bacteria without significantly affecting its nutritional value, has been credited with reducing the incidence of milk-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both strongly recommend that consumers opt for pasteurized milk and dairy products to avoid health risks.
Despite these warnings, raw milk has gained a following, fueled by endorsements from public figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and some social media influencers. Proponents often argue that raw milk is more natural and flavorful, with a creamy texture that pasteurized milk lacks. However, experts caution that these perceived benefits do not justify the potential dangers associated with consuming unpasteurized products.
The recent increase in bird flu cases has added further concerns to the debate over raw milk consumption. The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in dairy cows, prompting additional scrutiny of raw milk safety. Though no direct human-to-human transmission of bird flu has been reported, the CDC warns that individuals who consume milk from infected cows could theoretically be at risk. Symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues, and anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming raw milk should seek medical attention.
In addition to raw milk, the risks of consuming raw milk cheeses, particularly soft cheeses, are also under investigation. While hard cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss are generally considered less risky due to the aging process, soft cheeses made from raw milk can still carry harmful bacteria, particularly listeria.
