Pasteurized Milk in U.S. Contains Traces of Bird Flu Virus, FDA Says

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that samples of pasteurized milk from around the country have tested positive for inactive traces of the bird flu virus that has been infecting dairy cows. The agency emphasized that the viral fragments do not pose a threat to consumers.

Over the past month, the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in more than 30 dairy herds across eight states, affecting a total of 33 herds so far. The virus has also infected one farmworker in Texas. While the detection of the bird flu virus in dairy cattle is a recent development, the FDA said that past research shows pasteurization is "very likely" to inactivate heat-sensitive viruses like H5N1.

The FDA has been evaluating milk during processing and from grocery stores, and additional test results are expected in the coming days and weeks. The agency did not indicate how many samples were tested or where they were obtained, but officials stated that they have seen nothing that would change their evaluation that the commercial milk supply is safe.

Why this matters: The detection of bird flu virus fragments in the U.S. milk supply, even if inactivated, raises concerns about the spread of the outbreak among livestock. It highlights the importance of ongoing testing and monitoring efforts to ensure the safety of the food supply and to prevent potential transmission to humans.

The International Dairy Foods Association stated that the commercial U.S. milk supply is safe, and the remnants of the virus have no impact on human health. To date, only two people in the U.S. have been infected with bird flu during the current outbreak, both experiencing mild symptoms and recovering fully. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture had previously stated that milk from affected cattle did not enter the commercial supply, as regulations require milk that enters interstate commerce to be pasteurized.

The FDA is continuing to study the issue and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the outbreak. While there is no evidence of the bird flu passing between humans yet, the World Health Organization has warned of an increasing threat of human-to-human transmission. The CDC has stated that the current risk to the public remains low.

Key Takeaways

• FDA found inactive bird flu virus traces in pasteurized milk samples.
• Over 30 dairy herds across 8 states affected by H5N1 bird flu.
• Pasteurization likely inactivates heat-sensitive viruses like H5N1.
• FDA, USDA, and CDC investigating outbreak; no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
• Commercial U.S. milk supply deemed safe, with no impact on human health.