Bird Flu Contamination Prompts Additional Raw Milk Recall in California

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced a statewide recall of raw milk products produced and packaged by Valley Milk Simply Bottled. This action follows the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in samples taken from a bulk tank at the company’s dairy farm.

Products Affected

The recall includes all Valley Milk and Desi Milk raw cow milk sold in quarter, half-gallon, and gallon jugs marked with dates between December 23 and December 30, 2024.

Public Health Advisory

Though no illnesses have been reported, officials strongly urge consumers to avoid using the recalled products and advise retailers to remove them from shelves immediately. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has also issued a warning against consuming raw milk products or feeding them to pets, following incidents where cats fell ill and died after consuming raw milk.

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Company Response

Valley Milk Simply Bottled, based in Modesto, California, has not responded to requests for comment.

Previous Recalls

Earlier this month, Fresno-based Raw Farm recalled its raw milk and cream products after the bird flu virus was detected in items collected from stores, dairy outlets, and bottling sites.

Risks of Consuming Raw Milk

Raw milk and cream products are unpasteurized, meaning they have not undergone the heating process that eliminates harmful pathogens such as bird flu, listeria, salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. These pathogens can pose serious health risks, especially to children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

Reported Illnesses

The California Department of Public Health has recorded at least 10 illnesses linked to raw milk consumption in recent weeks, though none have been associated with bird flu. Raw milk-related illness outbreaks have previously caused severe complications, including miscarriages, stillbirths, kidney failure, and even death.

Consumers are encouraged to discard affected products and monitor for any symptoms if exposure occurs. For further details, contact the California Department of Public Health.

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Layla Hango is a dedicated author at The Chieftain Spear, where she delves into stories that highlight cultural richness, social issues, and community empowerment. With a passion for storytelling that inspires and informs, Layla brings a fresh perspective to her writing. Her work resonates with readers seeking meaningful dialogue and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences. Through her articles, Layla aims to spark positive change and celebrate the strength of collective voices.