FDA Confirms Safety of U.S. Milk Supply Amid H5N1 Concerns
Source: The DairyNews
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has once again reaffirmed the safety of the nation's milk supply, following a fresh series of tests.
These tests have been conducted in the midst of ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry due to the outbreak of HPAI H5N1 among cows.
In response to recent confirmations by both the FDA and USDA regarding the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viral material in retail milk samples, the FDA has undertaken further testing to ascertain the efficacy of pasteurization in eliminating the virus. Utilizing the resources of St. Jude's Children’s Hospital lab, genetic material extracted from milk samples has been subjected to rigorous analysis, including culturing in live eggs to ensure eradication of any residual virus.
The results of these additional tests, as reported by the FDA, provide substantial data confirming the safety of commercial milk supplies across the nation. A comprehensive analysis encompassing 297 milk samples from 38 states, along with testing of retail powdered infant formula, yielded uniformly negative results for the presence of the H5N1 virus.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has underscored the significance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of milk intended for interstate commerce. Matt Herrick, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at IDFA, emphasizes the role of pasteurization in neutralizing pathogens, reiterating that over 99% of milk and dairy products in the U.S. undergo this crucial process to safeguard public health.
Dr. Richard Webby, overseeing the testing at St. Jude's lab, emphasizes the effectiveness of pasteurization in eliminating the virus, despite the presence of genetic material post-treatment. While RNA remnants may persist following pasteurization, Dr. Webby clarifies that these fragments are non-infectious and incapable of causing illness.
However, Dr. Webby also stresses the need for ongoing research, particularly concerning HPAI H5N1 in cattle. The recent identification of Influenza A among dairy herds in multiple states underscores the importance of continued vigilance and investigation into emerging infectious diseases within the livestock industry.
In light of recent findings, the FDA's assurance regarding the safety of pasteurized milk consumption remains unwavering, providing consumers with confidence in the integrity of the U.S. milk supply chain.
In response to recent confirmations by both the FDA and USDA regarding the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viral material in retail milk samples, the FDA has undertaken further testing to ascertain the efficacy of pasteurization in eliminating the virus. Utilizing the resources of St. Jude's Children’s Hospital lab, genetic material extracted from milk samples has been subjected to rigorous analysis, including culturing in live eggs to ensure eradication of any residual virus.
The results of these additional tests, as reported by the FDA, provide substantial data confirming the safety of commercial milk supplies across the nation. A comprehensive analysis encompassing 297 milk samples from 38 states, along with testing of retail powdered infant formula, yielded uniformly negative results for the presence of the H5N1 virus.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has underscored the significance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of milk intended for interstate commerce. Matt Herrick, senior vice president of public affairs and communications at IDFA, emphasizes the role of pasteurization in neutralizing pathogens, reiterating that over 99% of milk and dairy products in the U.S. undergo this crucial process to safeguard public health.
Dr. Richard Webby, overseeing the testing at St. Jude's lab, emphasizes the effectiveness of pasteurization in eliminating the virus, despite the presence of genetic material post-treatment. While RNA remnants may persist following pasteurization, Dr. Webby clarifies that these fragments are non-infectious and incapable of causing illness.
However, Dr. Webby also stresses the need for ongoing research, particularly concerning HPAI H5N1 in cattle. The recent identification of Influenza A among dairy herds in multiple states underscores the importance of continued vigilance and investigation into emerging infectious diseases within the livestock industry.
In light of recent findings, the FDA's assurance regarding the safety of pasteurized milk consumption remains unwavering, providing consumers with confidence in the integrity of the U.S. milk supply chain.
