what emerged from the tests –

“No live and infectious virus was detected” as part of new checks carried out on milk and dairy products in the USA, where there is an ongoing epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cows. The Food and Drug Administration (Fda) announced this, reassuring consumers: «Pasteurization is effective in inactivating Hpai viruses», pathogens of type A (H5) or A (H7). The agency also recalls that the definition of “highly pathogenic” for Hpai “refers to a serious impact on birds, not necessarily on humans”. The results reported by the FDA refer to a national study launched in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to verify the safety of milk on the market. The investigation was conducted on a total of 297 samples of dairy products sold at retail. The new data refers to 201 samples of milk and dairy products, including cottage cheese and sour cream, which the PCR analysis tested positive for the presence of viral fragments.

These samples were then subjected to the gold standard analysis which allows us to detect the possible presence of infectious viruses. “Such additional preliminary testing did not detect any live, infectious virus,” the FDA emphasized. “Together with the preliminary results previously communicated, relating to an initial series of 96 milk samples, these data – the agency reiterated – confirm our assessment that the supply of commercial milk is safe.” Viral fragments had been found in one milk sample out of 5 subjected to PCR, but the agency immediately pointed out that they were pieces of virus that were most likely inactive. The FDA also reassures on the safety of powdered milk and derivatives intended for feeding newborns. All samples of retail products analyzed tested negative for the PCR test, indicating “the absence of viral fragments or Hpai viruses” in formula milks and derivatives. Therefore no further testing was necessary for these samples”.