By Jamie Martin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported traces of bird flu in about 20% of milk samples from grocery stores. This finding is part of a broader examination into the spread of avian influenza among dairy herds in the United States, now affecting nine states including a recent outbreak in Colorado.
Despite these detections, the FDA reassures the public that dairy products are safe to consume. This assurance comes after tests indicated that pasteurization processes effectively neutralize the virus. The results are based on a national survey that tested milk from various retail outlets, indicating a wider spread of the bird flu than initially anticipated.
Further ensuring safety, the FDA confirmed that no traces of the virus were found in powdered infant formula. As the agency continues to monitor the situation closely, it has planned to evaluate nearly 300 samples of dairy products from 38 states to further analyze the impact and reach of the outbreak.
The U.S. has tightened regulations on dairy cow transport across state lines and mandated electronic identification for cattle and bison, to better trace and manage any new cases of the disease. These measures aim to maintain control over the spread of bird flu and protect the nation’s dairy supply chain.
The ongoing research and updated safety protocols underscore the government’s commitment to food safety and public health after these findings.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: National