California health officials have issued another recall for Raw Farm LLC’s unpasteurized milk after a second batch tested positive for bird flu. Here’s what you need to know.
- Recall Date: Issued November 27, 2024, announced by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
- Company: Raw Farm LLC, based in Fresno, California.
- Product: Raw, unpasteurized milk with lot code 20241119 and best-by date of Dec. 7.
- Issue: Bird flu contamination (H5N1).
- Action: Consumers should return affected products to the place of purchase immediately.
Stick around to learn more about this recall. Shall we?
What happened?
On November 27, Raw Farm LLC, a Fresno-based dairy company, issued a recall for its raw milk following a request by the CDPH. This is the second recall in a week after routine testing identified bird flu (H5N1) in another batch.
The contamination was first detected during testing by the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory, which screened retail samples of raw milk. Following the discovery, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) collected additional samples for testing, with results pending.
Affected Product Details:
Brand | Product | Code | Best By Date | Issue |
Raw Farm LLC | Raw Milk | 20241119 | Dec. 7, 2024 | Bird Flu (H5N1) |
Distributed to multiple retailers, including Sprouts Markets, the raw milk carries health risks for consumers and is under investigation by health authorities.
What caused the issue?
The culprit: bird flu (H5N1).
- Health Risks: While no human cases are linked to this batch, bird flu can spread through ingestion or exposure to contaminated milk.
- Symptoms: Eye redness, sore throat, cough, fever, diarrhea, and respiratory difficulties.
- Vulnerable Groups: Individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children.
Drinking unpasteurized milk significantly increases exposure to harmful pathogens, including bird flu, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Pasteurization, a proven food safety measure, neutralizes these threats.
Here’s what you should do
If you purchased Raw Farm’s recalled milk, follow these steps:
- Check the Label: Look for lot code 20241119 and best-by date Dec. 7, 2024.
- Stop Consumption: Do not drink or use the product.
- Return the Product: Bring it back to the retailer for a full refund.
- Contact Information: Questions? Reach out to Raw Farm LLC local # (559) 710-2077 toll-free # (833) 888-MILK
Behind the brand: Raw Farm LLC
Raw Farm, known for its commitment to natural dairy practices, has faced scrutiny due to previous recalls. This is the second recall for bird flu in a week, highlighting concerns about unpasteurized products. Public health experts strongly advise against consuming raw milk due to elevated risks of foodborne illnesses.
“Every challenge in your supply chain is an opportunity to innovate. Use a recall as a stepping stone to implement better systems and nurture trust throughout your network.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the critical role of rigorous testing and strict food safety protocols in the dairy industry, as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in raw, unpasteurized products. The detection of bird flu in raw milk underscores the inherent risks associated with unpasteurized dairy and raises broader concerns about cross-contamination in the food supply chain. It prompts a closer look at the processes used to monitor and mitigate such risks, emphasizing the necessity of industry-wide commitment to safeguarding public health. As consumer demand for raw dairy products grows in some markets, this incident reinforces the need for increased awareness, education, and compliance with robust safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Why it matters:
- Foodborne illnesses can have severe public health impacts.
- Companies must act swiftly to address contamination risks.
- Ensuring product safety protects consumers and strengthens trust in the food supply chain.
If you prioritize working with suppliers who uphold the highest safety standards, and need high-quality, rigorously tested ingredients, contact us today to explore safer alternatives for your business!
