California Halts Sale Of Raw Farm’s Raw Milk Over Bird Flu Concerns—Here’s What To Know

Topline

Health authorities in California have suspended the sale of raw milk products from Raw Farm after detecting the bird flu virus in milk samples collected from the Fresno-based dairy farm—which had voluntarily recalled a batch from retail stores late last month for the same reason—once again putting a spotlight on potential safety issues linked to the practice of which social media influencers and right-wing figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have promoted.

Bottles of raw milk from from Raw Farm of Fresno, Calif., are displayed for sale at a store.

Key Facts

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed to various outlets on Monday that Raw Farm’s operations “are currently under quarantine…which means that all raw milk product distribution is suspended.”

The decision was made after the agency’s inspectors tested milk from bottled products and bulk milk storage at the company’s bottling facility last week and lab tests showed the presence of the bird flu virus.

Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued two separate warnings about the detection of the bird flu virus in two separate batches of Raw Farms raw milk products sold in retail stores—which prompted their recall.

The health agency reported at the time that no human illnesses linked to the affected raw milk lot had been reported.

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.

What Are The Risks Of Drinking Raw Milk?

In its notices, the health agency warned about the risks associated with consuming raw milk and informed people that pasteurized milk remained safe to drink. The CDPH said consuming unpasteurized milk raised the risk of contracting food borne illnesses caused by pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, toxin-producing E. coli, Brucella and Campylobacter. In its guide about the protective actions people can take to guard against the H5 bird flu virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control notes: “People should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk.” Milk can be made safe to consume through a simple process known as pasteurization, which involves “heating milk to a high enough temperature for a certain length of time” to kill any dangerous pathogens. The CDC notes that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risk of raw milk.

Crucial Quote

In a video published on Instagram over the weekend, Raw Farm president Aaron McAfee talked about potential supply shortages—likely as a result of the CDFA’s suspension of sales of their product—and said: “Our hard-working dairy team is working in full cooperation with the state to maintain regulatory compliance. There will be supply shortages and we apologize for this inconvenience…This shortage is ONLY temporary, and we will keep you posted on social media when supply resumes.”

Big Number

57. That is the total number of H5 bird flu cases among people across the U.S., according to CDC data. However, there have been no reported cases of person-to-person spread so far. California has the most number of cases at 31, and all but one of those cases has been attributed to exposure to infected cattle.

Key Background

The consumption of raw milk has been promoted by several prominent social media figures—like Joe Rogan—and right-wing pundits. Among the most prominent supporters of raw milk consumption is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary nominee. Kennedy has publicly claimed he only drinks raw milk. In an X post in October, Kennedy lashed out at FDA employees, who he alleged were waging a “war on public health.” Among his list of concerns was what he claimed was the agency’s “aggressive suppression” of things like raw milk.

Tangent

Raw Farm told CNN on Monday that its CEO “has been asked by the RFK transition team to apply for the position of ‘FDA advisor on Raw Milk Policy and Standards Development.’”