Despite Bird Flu Outbreak, U.S. Raw Milk Sellers Persist Amid Federal Warnings
Source: The DairyNews
Despite federal health warnings advising consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk due to a bird flu outbreak affecting dairy herds in nine states, U.S. sellers of raw milk remain undeterred.
With thirty states permitting the sale of raw milk, accounting for less than 1% of U.S. milk sales, the resistance to warnings highlights a deep skepticism towards public health officials, particularly the FDA.
Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm in Fresno, California, the largest U.S. raw milk dairy, notes that many consumers distrust the FDA and are inclined to do the opposite of its recommendations. While federal health officials continue to caution against raw milk consumption due to the outbreak, enthusiasts argue for its purported benefits, including a creamier taste and nutritional advantages.
However, the presence of the H5N1 avian flu virus in milk has raised concerns among experts regarding the safety of consuming raw milk products. While preliminary tests suggest that pasteurization kills the virus, investigations are ongoing to determine the potential transmission of bird flu through unpasteurized milk or cheese.
Despite the controversy, McAfee's dairy has maintained safety measures to protect its cows, although it has been associated with previous outbreaks of foodborne illness. Meanwhile, some former raw milk consumers, such as Connecticut farmer Jerry Grabarek, have opted to discontinue its consumption due to safety concerns.
Maryland-based raw cheese producer Sally Fallon Morell questions the accuracy of federal findings, suggesting that warnings may be driven by concerns over declining pasteurized milk sales. Nevertheless, retailers like Andronico's and Sprouts Farmers Market continue to offer raw milk products, albeit with vigilance and regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead, Raw Farm plans to expand its offerings with national sales of frozen raw milk labeled for pets. However, concerns persist as a Texas farm worker becomes the second person in the United States to contract the H5N1 strain of bird flu following exposure to dairy cows, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with raw milk consumption.
Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm in Fresno, California, the largest U.S. raw milk dairy, notes that many consumers distrust the FDA and are inclined to do the opposite of its recommendations. While federal health officials continue to caution against raw milk consumption due to the outbreak, enthusiasts argue for its purported benefits, including a creamier taste and nutritional advantages.
However, the presence of the H5N1 avian flu virus in milk has raised concerns among experts regarding the safety of consuming raw milk products. While preliminary tests suggest that pasteurization kills the virus, investigations are ongoing to determine the potential transmission of bird flu through unpasteurized milk or cheese.
Despite the controversy, McAfee's dairy has maintained safety measures to protect its cows, although it has been associated with previous outbreaks of foodborne illness. Meanwhile, some former raw milk consumers, such as Connecticut farmer Jerry Grabarek, have opted to discontinue its consumption due to safety concerns.
Maryland-based raw cheese producer Sally Fallon Morell questions the accuracy of federal findings, suggesting that warnings may be driven by concerns over declining pasteurized milk sales. Nevertheless, retailers like Andronico's and Sprouts Farmers Market continue to offer raw milk products, albeit with vigilance and regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead, Raw Farm plans to expand its offerings with national sales of frozen raw milk labeled for pets. However, concerns persist as a Texas farm worker becomes the second person in the United States to contract the H5N1 strain of bird flu following exposure to dairy cows, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with raw milk consumption.
