According to the state health department, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the raw milk thus far.
Raw Farm, a dairy farm based in Fresno County, California, voluntarily recalled its raw milk product on Nov. 24 due to the detection of avian influenza in a retail sample. The recall specifically targeted a single lot of cream top, whole raw milk with lot code 20241109 and an expiration date of Nov. 27.
The decision to recall the product was made after the County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory identified the bird flu virus in a raw milk sample sold at a retail store in California. This finding was later confirmed by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, as stated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Raw Farm has instructed stores to remove the affected products from their shelves and advised consumers to return the milk to the point of purchase for a refund or replacement. The CDPH has cautioned against consuming the product and confirmed that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the raw milk.
As a precautionary measure, consumers are advised not to consume the affected raw milk due to the ongoing spread of bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases. The CDPH conducted testing at the farm following the detection, and results came back negative for bird flu. The department will continue to test the farm’s milk twice a week.
Individuals who have consumed the affected milk and experienced symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department immediately. Health officials have highlighted that bird flu infection can occur if someone touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after handling raw milk contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms of bird flu infection may include eye redness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and fever. Raw milk is unpasteurized milk from various animals and is believed to have nutritional benefits compared to pasteurized milk.
Advocates claim that raw milk contains more nutrients, fats, proteins, and other nutritional benefits and may be linked to lower rates of allergies and eczema. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the potential health risks associated with raw milk, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria contamination.
According to the FDA, these bacteria can pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. California has reported 29 human cases of bird flu since October, mostly linked to direct contact with infected dairy cows, with mild symptoms reported in all cases. Please rewrite this sentence.
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