FDA Intensifies Pasteurization Scrutiny Amid HPAI Concerns in Dairy Supply
Source: The DairyNews
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is heightening its scientific efforts to verify the effectiveness of current pasteurization processes. This action follows the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viral fragments in commercial milk, based on retailer tests conducted at the end of April. The FDA's nationwide survey revealed that approximately 20% of milk samples from various retailers tested positive for these fragments.
These findings emerged after several dairy cattle in multiple states were confirmed to have the HPAI H5N1 virus. Subsequently, the FDA sampled milk fr om numerous dairy herds, including those wh ere the virus had been detected. The incidence of positive tests was notably higher among these infected herds.
While the FDA has not responded to requests for comment on the pasteurization tests, they issued a statement on May 10th confirming ongoing studies. These studies aim to ensure the adequacy of pasteurization techniques against the HPAI H5N1 virus, using standard equipment utilized by milk processors.
The scrutiny over HPAI H5N1 intensified after a reported case of human infection in the US in early April, believed to be contracted through contact with an infected animal. This marked the first documented transmission of its kind in the nation, prompting a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Given the rarity of HPAI transmission from birds to cattle and humans, the FDA is conducting comprehensive testing and research to identify the specific viral strain and effective preventive measures for dairy farmers. This is crucial to prevent the virus from infiltrating the milk supply chain.
Currently, the FDA is also conducting tests on milk and other dairy products like cream and whole milk in stores across the US to assess any potential contamination risks. Although no specific precautions have been recommended for commercially available pasteurized milk, the FDA continues to advise against the consumption of raw milk.
In collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the FDA is diligently gathering and assessing data on H5N1 in dairy cattle. This collaborative effort supports state authorities in managing this emerging disease among dairy cattle. Both agencies are committed to promptly sharing their findings and maintain that, based on current data, the commercial milk supply remains safe.
While the FDA has not responded to requests for comment on the pasteurization tests, they issued a statement on May 10th confirming ongoing studies. These studies aim to ensure the adequacy of pasteurization techniques against the HPAI H5N1 virus, using standard equipment utilized by milk processors.
The scrutiny over HPAI H5N1 intensified after a reported case of human infection in the US in early April, believed to be contracted through contact with an infected animal. This marked the first documented transmission of its kind in the nation, prompting a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Given the rarity of HPAI transmission from birds to cattle and humans, the FDA is conducting comprehensive testing and research to identify the specific viral strain and effective preventive measures for dairy farmers. This is crucial to prevent the virus from infiltrating the milk supply chain.
Currently, the FDA is also conducting tests on milk and other dairy products like cream and whole milk in stores across the US to assess any potential contamination risks. Although no specific precautions have been recommended for commercially available pasteurized milk, the FDA continues to advise against the consumption of raw milk.
In collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the FDA is diligently gathering and assessing data on H5N1 in dairy cattle. This collaborative effort supports state authorities in managing this emerging disease among dairy cattle. Both agencies are committed to promptly sharing their findings and maintain that, based on current data, the commercial milk supply remains safe.
