FDA Confirms Safety of Dairy Products Like Cottage Cheese Amid Avian Influenza Concerns
Source: The DairyNews
The FDA has provided reassurance regarding the safety of dairy products such as cottage cheese amidst concerns over the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. During a press briefing, officials announced that no viable virus was detected in retail milk products, including cottage cheese and sour cream, based on additional preliminary testing.
Donald Prater, DVM, acting director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, stated that recent results from testing 201 retail milk products showed no viable virus, affirming the safety of the U.S. commercial milk supply. The agency also conducted testing on retail powdered infant formula and powdered milk products marketed as toddler formula, with no viral fragments detected on PCR testing.
While emphasizing the safety of commercial milk, Prater reiterated the FDA's strong warning against consuming raw milk and raw milk products due to health risks. The agency continues to advise against the consumption of unpasteurized milk and products made from milk obtained from cows showing symptoms of illness or exposure to avian influenza viruses.
Concerns arose following preliminary results indicating viral fragments of H5N1 in some retail milk samples, particularly in areas with known infections among dairy cattle herds. However, Prater clarified that there was no culturable virus detected in those samples.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC reported that only one person has tested positive for H5N1 during the outbreak among dairy cattle, and the agency is monitoring individuals for symptoms. The FDA and USDA are actively conducting sampling efforts to ensure the safety of the meat supply, with no evidence of the virus detected in beef herds at present.
Rosemary Sifford, DVM, chief veterinary officer at the USDA, highlighted that evidence suggests a single spillover event in the Texas panhandle led to the transmission of the virus from wild birds to dairy cattle. Movement of animals and equipment between herds facilitated the spread of the virus.
Overall, the FDA's findings provide assurance regarding the safety of dairy products, reinforcing the importance of pasteurization and strict hygiene measures in food production.
While emphasizing the safety of commercial milk, Prater reiterated the FDA's strong warning against consuming raw milk and raw milk products due to health risks. The agency continues to advise against the consumption of unpasteurized milk and products made from milk obtained from cows showing symptoms of illness or exposure to avian influenza viruses.
Concerns arose following preliminary results indicating viral fragments of H5N1 in some retail milk samples, particularly in areas with known infections among dairy cattle herds. However, Prater clarified that there was no culturable virus detected in those samples.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis of the CDC reported that only one person has tested positive for H5N1 during the outbreak among dairy cattle, and the agency is monitoring individuals for symptoms. The FDA and USDA are actively conducting sampling efforts to ensure the safety of the meat supply, with no evidence of the virus detected in beef herds at present.
Rosemary Sifford, DVM, chief veterinary officer at the USDA, highlighted that evidence suggests a single spillover event in the Texas panhandle led to the transmission of the virus from wild birds to dairy cattle. Movement of animals and equipment between herds facilitated the spread of the virus.
Overall, the FDA's findings provide assurance regarding the safety of dairy products, reinforcing the importance of pasteurization and strict hygiene measures in food production.
