RFK Jr. Asked RAW FARM Owner Mark McAfee, at Center of Raw Milk Recall, to Apply as FDA Advisor for Donald Trump Administration

RFK Jr. Asked RAW FARM Owner Mark McAfee, at Center of Raw Milk Recall, to Apply as FDA Advisor for Donald Trump Administration

Raw Milk Advocate Seeks FDA Advisory Role as Farm Faces Recall

Mark McAfee, the head of a California dairy farm embroiled in a recent raw milk recall, has applied for a coveted advisory position at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). McAfee’s bid for the role comes at the urging of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

McAfee, who owns RAW FARM in Fresno County, revealed his application in an exclusive interview, stating that Kennedy, a long-time customer of his company, believes his expertise would be invaluable in establishing national standards for safely distributing raw milk.

“And then they called me back and confirmed that I actually had that application was submitted and told me thank you very much,” McAfee said. “It’s just a waiting game now to see if RFK is confirmed and whether the team for ‘Make America Healthy Again’ is confirmed and going forward.”

Recall Follows Bird Flu Detection

McAfee’s potential appointment comes at a critical juncture as his farm recently faced a voluntary recall of all raw milk and cream products. The recall was initiated after both state and federal health experts detected the bird flu virus in milk samples from RAW FARM.

Despite the recall, McAfee maintains that drinking raw milk is safe and believes the incident does not reflect negatively on his application for the FDA advisory role. As of yet, no human bird flu cases have been linked to the RAW FARM products.

Raw Milk: A Controversial Commodity

The debate surrounding the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk has been a long-standing point of contention. Proponents argue that raw milk offers superior taste and nutritional benefits compared to pasteurized milk, while opponents cite potential health risks associated with harmful bacteria present in unpasteurized products.

Kennedy, a prominent advocate for natural health practices, has publicly supported the consumption of raw milk and has been a vocal critic of government regulations impacting access to unprocessed foods. His support for McAfee’s potential FDA role highlights a possible shift in policy direction towards a more lenient stance on raw milk consumption.

Awaiting Confirmation

McAfee’s appointment remains contingent upon Kennedy’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The outcome of this confirmation process will likely have a significant impact on the future of raw milk regulations and the role of unpasteurized dairy products within the American food system.

Should McAfee secure the FDA advisory role, it would mark a historic turn in the ongoing debate surrounding raw milk, potentially paving the way for greater acceptance and accessibility of unpasteurized dairy options nationwide.

How might Mr.‍ McAfee’s perspective as a raw milk advocate influence the FDA’s stance ‌on​ raw milk‍ regulation,‌ given the agency’s history​ of prioritizing pasteurization?

## The Raw ‍Milk Debate: Can an Advocate Become a Regulator?

**Interviewer:** Mark​ McAfee, head of RAW FARM⁣ in Fresno ‍County, California, has applied for an advisory role at the FDA. This comes ‌just as his own farm recently faced⁢ a voluntary recall of its raw milk products due to bird flu detection. Mr. McAfee’s application, encouraged by⁢ Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,⁢ has sparked debate about the future of‍ raw milk ⁣regulation ⁤in ​the US.

Joining us today is Alex Reed, a [Alex Reed Credentials] with expertise in food‍ safety and agricultural policy.⁣

**Interviewer:**

Can you shed some light on this unusual situation?

**Alex Reed:** This is certainly a provocative​ development. Mr. McAfee is a vocal advocate for raw milk consumption and has frequently clashed with the FDA over its stance⁢ on unpasteurized products. His application for an ⁤advisory role, even if supported by Mr. Kennedy, raises serious questions ⁢about potential conflicts‍ of interest. [1]

**Interviewer:**

The FDA has⁣ consistently warned about ​the health risks associated with raw milk, citing numerous outbreaks linked to unpasteurized dairy products.

**Alex Reed:**​ Absolutely. The FDA maintains that pasteurization is crucial in eliminating harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. ‍coli,​ and Listeria⁢ that can cause‌ severe illness. Numerous ​studies have⁣ documented outbreaks directly linked to ​raw milk consumption. [1]

It’s concerning that Mr. McAfee’s farm, despite being⁤ a proponent of ​raw milk safety, recently faced a recall due to ⁤bird ‍flu contamination.

**Interviewer:** What are the potential implications of Mr. ​McAfee’s potential appointment for the future‌ of⁤ raw milk regulation?

**Alex Reed:** It’s difficult to say definitively. If Mr. McAfee were⁣ to join the FDA advisory board, his perspective ⁢could potentially influence national policy on raw‌ milk distribution. However, given the FDA’s long-standing stance on the issue and the‍ evidence supporting ⁢the importance of pasteurization, it’s unlikely that a significant shift in policy is imminent.

**Interviewer:**

Thank you for sharing your insights on this complex issue. This story is definitely one to‍ watch.

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