California Raw Milk Recall Worsens as Bird Flu Outbreak Grows!

A raw milk recall in California is expanding dramatically as health officials confirm additional cases of the bird flu virus in milk samples, prompting serious concerns among consumers. Raw Farm, based in Fresno, has taken the precautionary step of recalling all whole milk and cream products sold in stores, while also ceasing production after state agriculture and health authorities detected the H5N1 virus in multiple samples.

The recall encompasses all Raw Farm milk and cream products created between November 9 and November 27, effectively halting the distribution of products including raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese produced after November 27. Officials from the California Department of Food and Agriculture have quarantined the farm, urging Californians to refrain from consuming any raw milk or cream products currently in their possession or still available on store shelves.

This precautionary measure follows earlier recalls of two lots of Raw Farm products after the initial detection of the bird flu in retail milk on November 21. While no cases of bird flu virus transmission through raw milk have been confirmed in humans, health officials reassure that pasteurized milk – which undergoes heat treatment to eradicate the virus – remains safe for consumption.

Pet owners are also warned to avoid feeding Raw Farm products labeled as 'pet food topper' or 'pet food kefir,' as animals can fall ill from contaminated products. Alarmingly, reports have surfaced of farm cats that developed severe brain damage and died following the consumption of tainted raw milk.

The H5N1 bird flu virus made its first appearance in U.S. dairy cows back in March and has swiftly spread, particularly in California, where almost 500 out of over 700 infected herds have been identified. This year alone, the virus has infected 57 individuals across the United States, with 31 cases reported in California. While most cases among dairy and poultry workers show only mild illness, the CDC has not detected any human-to-human transmission in the U.S.

Health experts have long warned against consuming raw milk due to the potential presence of harmful germs that can lead to illnesses ranging from mild to potentially fatal. Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm, has been vocal about pushing for relaxed regulations regarding raw milk. In a recent Instagram update, he maintained that there are no illnesses linked to H5N1 in their products and framed the situation as a political rather than a safety issue.

Notably, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is poised to become a leading health official, has pledged to advocate for the expanded distribution of raw milk, criticizing governmental enforcement against unpasteurized dairy products. McAfee highlighted Kennedy as one of his customers, calling for an end to what he describes as the 'aggressive suppression' of raw milk by regulatory bodies.

As the situation unfolds, consumers are advised to stay vigilant and monitor developments related to this escalating health scare involving raw milk and bird flu in California. This boom in bird flu cases not only raises safety concerns but also reflects ongoing debates about food regulation and public health safety measures. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!