Raw Milk Recall Expands in California After Bird Flu Detection
A voluntary recall of all raw milk and cream products from a California dairy farm has been broadened statewide due to potential bird flu contamination. The move follows previous limited recalls after bird flu was first detected in the farm’s raw milk in late November.
Widespread Recall Due to Positive Tests
The California Department of Public Health announced the widespread recall Tuesday night, urging consumers to immediately remove any remaining Raw Farm, LLC products from their refrigerators. Tests have confirmed the presence of bird flu at several locations, including retail outlets, storage facilities, and bottling sites connected to the Fresno-based farm.
“Customers should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase,” the department stated in a press release.
Public health officials are further advising consumers to avoid all Raw Farm products intended for human or animal consumption. This includes raw milk, cream, cheese, kefir, as well as raw milk-based pet food toppers and kefir.
Farm Quarantined, Distribution Halted
Meanwhile, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has implemented a quarantine at the affected dairy farm, halting the distribution of any new raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products produced from November 27th onwards.
Long-Standing Concerns about Raw Milk Safety
This incident underscores long-standing warnings from public health experts regarding the consumption of raw milk and its potential health risks. While proponents of raw milk tout its purported health benefits, experts emphasize the elevated risk of foodborne illnesses associated with unpasteurized dairy products.
“California continues to monitor and respond to bird flu outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry,” stated the California Department of Public Health. “Bird flu virus levels have been demonstrated to be high in raw milk from infected cows, and sporadic human cases identified in workers in close contact with infected dairy cows and their milk indicate that raw milk is infectious to humans.”
While no human bird flu cases linked to the recalled Raw Farm products have been confirmed as of yet, investigations are ongoing. Health officials are working with federal and local partners to determine the extent of the potential risk and implement necessary steps to protect public health.
National Bird Flu Trends
The United States is currently experiencing a notable rise in H5 bird flu cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 58 human cases have been reported nationwide in 2024, with California accounting for 32 of those cases.
What were the initial reasons for the recall of Raw Farm products?
## Raw Milk Recall: An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Dr. [Guest name], a virologist specializing in avian influenza, to discuss the recent expansion of a raw milk recall in California due to bird flu contamination. Dr. [Guest name], thanks for being here.
**Dr. [Guest name]:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Could you start by explaining why this recall is so concerning?
**Dr. [Guest name]:** This is a serious public health issue. Avian influenza, or bird flu, can be dangerous to humans, especially in its highly pathogenic forms. While the risk of transmission from consuming contaminated raw milk is relatively low, it’s not nonexistent. [1]
**Host:** This recall has expanded from a limited scope to cover all products from Raw Farm, LLC. Can you tell us why these expanded measures were necessary?
**Dr. [Guest name]:** The initial recalls were triggered when bird flu was detected in specific batches of raw milk. However, subsequent testing revealed the virus present in various locations associated with the farm, indicating a wider spread of contamination than initially thought. This called for a complete recall of all Raw Farm products to minimize further potential exposure. [1]
**Host:** What are the potential symptoms someone might experience if they’ve consumed contaminated milk?
**Dr. [Guest name]:** Symptoms can range from mild flu-like illnesses to more severe respiratory complications. Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue are common signs. In more severe cases, individuals may experience pneumonia or even acute respiratory distress syndrome. It’s crucial for anyone who has consumed Raw Farm products and is experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. [1]
**Host:** What advice do you have for consumers concerned about this recall?
**Dr. [Guest name]:** The California Department of Public Health has urged consumers to discard any remaining Raw Farm products immediately and return them to their point of purchase if possible. It’s also important to thoroughly wash hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Remember, pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses, so opting for pasteurized milk and dairy products is always the safest choice. [1]
**Host:** Dr. [Guest name], thank you for shedding light on this important issue.
**Dr. [Guest name]:** My pleasure. Stay informed and stay safe.
