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4mo ago

FDA Launches Nationwide Testing of Raw Milk Cheese for Bird Flu

The agency plans to test 300 samples of aged raw cow's milk cheese for the H5N1 virus, following outbreaks in livestock and human cases across the U.S.

Hard aged cheese sits in wedges on a dark surface with herbs and a cheese knife, with an image of a virus inset. Bird flu was previously found in unpasteurized milk in the U.S. and now an investigation is underway into possible bird flu in aged cheese made from raw milk.

Overview

  • The FDA is collecting 300 samples of aged raw cow's milk cheese from warehouses and distribution centers nationwide to test for the H5N1 bird flu virus.
  • Testing will involve PCR methods to detect viral genetic material, with further viability testing conducted on positive samples to assess the virus's activity.
  • The agency may implement recalls, inspections, or other measures if viable virus is detected in any cheese samples.
  • The U.S. has reported 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu, with most linked to direct contact with infected livestock, and California recording the highest number of cases.
  • The FDA advises against consuming raw milk products, citing the higher risk of contamination with pathogens, while nearly all U.S. commercial milk undergoes pasteurization.