FDA Finds Bird Flu Remnants in Pastuerized Milk Samples, Assures Safety for Consumers

Following recent findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported that samples of pasteurized milk have shown traces of the bird flu virus, which has affected dairy cows. The agency emphasized that the detected material is no longer active, and therefore does not pose a threat to consumers. Despite this, officials have affirmed their commitment to further investigate the matter.

Reassurance from the FDA

The FDA released a statement affirming that, based on current information, the commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption. This declaration comes in the wake of an avian influenza virus being identified in U.S. dairy cows across at least eight states, following a similar outbreak among millions of wild and commercial birds in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 33 herds have been impacted by the virus to date.

Testing and Expert Opinion

The FDA has not disclosed the number or sources of the samples tested. However, Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University, explained that the lab test utilized is capable of detecting viral genetic material even after the live virus has been neutralized by pasteurization. Jaykus further stated that there is currently no evidence indicating that the virus remains infectious, which is a point of focus for the FDA's ongoing investigation.