Pasteurization has been found to kill off bird flu in milk, according to tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration. However, experts are warning against consuming unpasteurized dairy products such as raw milk, especially with the recent avian influenza outbreak affecting poultry and dairy cows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers raw milk to be one of the riskiest foods, as it can be contaminated with harmful germs that can cause foodborne illnesses including diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. Despite the potential risks, only about 1% of people in the U.S. drink raw milk.
Donal Bisanzio, a senior epidemiologist at RTI International, emphasizes that the pasteurization process does not affect the quality or nutrients of milk. He cautions against the misconception that pasteurization reduces the nutritional value of milk, stating that all the nutrients can still be preserved in pasteurized milk. Bisanzio points out that while it is not yet confirmed if the bird flu virus can be transmitted through raw milk to humans, the symptoms are likely to be similar to other forms of contracting the virus, such as flu-like symptoms including fever and nausea. The FDA’s recent findings for pasteurized milk showed no live, infectious virus present in retail milk samples, indicating that the commercial milk supply is safe.
Experts are advising consumers to refrain from consuming raw milk during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, as raw milk can harbor harmful bacteria that can make individuals very sick. Dr. Nidhi Kumar, a health expert, warns against consuming unpasteurized dairy products at this time and suggests sticking to pasteurized milk to ensure safety. Raw milk has been associated with various foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramping. Despite the potential risks of consuming raw milk, some individuals advocate for its benefits, but health experts stress the importance of avoiding raw dairy products during the current health crisis.
The CDC highlights the dangers of consuming raw milk and emphasizes that it can be contaminated with harmful bacteria that pose health risks. While some people may believe that raw milk offers superior nutritional value, experts caution that pasteurization does not diminish the quality or nutrients of milk. Bisanzio underscores the importance of prioritizing food safety and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, particularly during times of heightened health concerns such as the avian influenza outbreak. The FDA’s recent tests on pasteurized milk confirm that the commercial milk supply is safe and free from live, infectious avian influenza virus, providing consumers with reassurance about the safety of pasteurized dairy products.
