California Recall Announcement

California residents are on high alert as state agriculture officials announced a recall of raw milk produced by Valley Milk Simply Bottled. This announcement comes after alarming findings of the H5N1 bird flu in bulk milk tanks from the Modesto-based raw milk dairy.

Affected Products

The recall affects all varieties of Valley Milk Simply Bottled raw cow milk, including the Desi Milk line. Consumers should check their plastic jugs, whether they are quart, half-gallon, or one-gallon sizes, for code dates from December 23 through December 30. If you have any of these products at home, it is crucial to avoid consuming them.

Recent Recalls

This incident marks the second raw milk recall in California recently, with another producer, Raw Farm from Fresno, recalling all milk and cream products last month due to similar concerns. Following this, the California Department of Food and Agriculture suspended all sales of Raw Farm's raw milk and cream products.

Human Cases and Health Risks

Fortunately, there have been no confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu linked directly to these milk recalls. However, one child in Marin County is suspected to have contracted the virus after drinking the affected raw milk. Initial tests indicated possible bird flu symptoms, but further confirmation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed no identification of the virus.

Impact on Pets

Adding to the seriousness of the situation, two cats in Los Angeles County tragically died after consuming the recalled raw milk, highlighting the potential risks of this outbreak beyond just human health.

Next Steps for Consumers

At this time, details regarding the distribution of Valley Milk Simply Bottled products remain unclear. Officials are urging consumers to discard any recalled products and are asking retailers to remove them from shelves immediately.

Safety of Pasteurized Products

Health experts confirm that pasteurized dairy products are safe, as the pasteurization process effectively eliminates the bird flu virus. As the situation develops, consumers are advised to stay informed and prioritize their safety. If you or someone you know has purchased these products, act quickly to prevent further health risks!