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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported that samples of pasteurized milk have tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus. However, it’s essential to understand that these remnants are inactivated and do not pose a risk to consumers.
The FDA conducted testing on commercially purchased pasteurized milk and found genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The testing method used, called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cannot distinguish between live virus and fragments of viruses that may have been killed during pasteurization.
The FDA has been trying to determine if viable virus particles exist in the milk samples, but their belief remains that commercial pasteurized milk is safe for consumption.
The FDA emphasizes that to date, there is no evidence that the commercial milk supply poses a risk to consumers.
While the agency acknowledges the presence of H5N1 remnants, it maintains that pasteurization is very likely to inactivate the virus.
No studies have specifically tested the impact of pasteurization on H5N1 viruses, but existing data support its effectiveness in inactivating heat-sensitive viruses.
The FDA conducted this survey as part of efforts to assess the federal-state milk safety system during the current outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows across several states.
As of now, 33 outbreaks in herds have been confirmed.
Remnants of the bird flu virus were detected in pasteurized milk, however, the FDA maintains that the commercial milk supply remains safe for consumption.
Detected remnants ant this time are not a threat to human health, and the pasteurization process is still considered effective in ensuring milk safety.
Image sourced from NBC News.com via Google images
