Raw Farm Dairy of Fresno, California, issued a recall for unpasteurized raw milk after a sample tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus, commonly known as H5N1. The recall applies to quart and half-gallon-sized products from Lot #20241109, with an expiration date of November 27. The contaminated milk was identified through testing by Santa Clara County health officials. No illnesses have been reported so far. Stick around for full details on the recall and why it’s making waves in the dairy industry. Shall we learn more?
What happened?
Raw Farm Dairy, a leading producer of unpasteurized milk, recalled a specific lot of raw milk due to confirmed bird flu contamination. The recall was originated by routine testing carried out by Santa Clara County public health officials, and the product was distributed and sold at retailers throughout California. The sample was collected on November 21. State and county officials acted swiftly, pulling affected products from store shelves on November 22 after preliminary results. The contamination was confirmed on November 23 by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.
Here’s what you need to know:
Brand | Product | Size | Lot ID | Expiration Date | Issue |
Raw farm | Raw Milk | Quart Half-Gallon | 20241109 | November 27, 2024 | Bird Flu (H5N1)contamination |
What caused the issue?
The contamination stems from the H5 bird flu virus, also known as H5N1 when found in dairy cattle. Though typically associated with poultry, the virus can appear in mammals, including cows. Health officials warn that bird flu is not just a risk to animals. In rare cases, it can pose a threat to humans. Unpasteurized, raw milk can contain a variety of pathogens, including bird flu, E.coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and hepatitis A. Here’s why this matters:
- Health Risks for Humans: Exposure to bird flu can result in flu-like symptoms, respiratory issues, and, in severe cases, complications like pneumonia.
- Risk for Consumers: Handling or consuming unpasteurized milk increases the risk of infection, particularly for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
- No Reported Illnesses: No consumers or workers have reported illness linked to this recall.
Here’s what you should do
If you have Raw Farm raw milk from Lot #20241109, here are the next steps:
- Stop Consumption: Do not consume the milk, even if it looks or smells fine.
- Check Labels: Look for the Lot ID (20241109) and expiration date (November 27) on the packaging.
- Dispose Safely: Discard the product in a sealed container to avoid accidental consumption by pets or others.
- Contact for Refunds: Reach out to Raw Farm Dairy for a refund or further instructions.
- Phone: local (559) 710-2077
- toll-free (833) 888-MILK
Behind the brand
Raw Farm has built its reputation on providing natural, unprocessed dairy products to consumers who prefer raw milk. However, this isn’t their first encounter with contamination issues. On October 27, 2023, the brand issued a recall for similar raw milk products after E. coli was detected during routine testing. The recurrence of contamination events highlights the complexities of ensuring safety in raw milk production. The USDA has been concerned about bird flu affecting bulk raw milk products and has been testing different farm products to gain control of this flu outbreak.
Ensuring safe eats
Bird flu contamination, while rare in dairy cattle, raises significant public health concerns. Producers of raw milk must adopt strict testing and preventive measures to protect consumers and rebuild trust. For consumers, this recall is a reminder to handle unpasteurized products with caution. Safe handling and awareness of food recalls play a critical role in preventing health risks.Looking for reliable, high-quality ingredients? Contact us today for insights and to explore our range of safe and tested products. Let’s ensure every bite—or sip—meets the highest safety standards!
