Raw Farm, a Fresno-based dairy producer, has expanded its recall of raw milk products and suspended operations after California health officials detected bird flu virus in multiple samples. The recall now includes all whole milk and cream products manufactured between November 9 and November 27.
State authorities have quarantined the farm and halted distribution of raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products made after November 27. Officials strongly advise consumers against consuming any Raw Farm products currently in stores or homes.
The expanded recall follows earlier actions taken when bird flu was initially found in retail milk samples on November 21. While no human cases have been linked to drinking the raw milk, health officials note that pasteurized milk remains safe as the heat treatment kills the virus.
Pet owners are warned not to feed Raw Farm products marketed as "pet food topper" or "pet food kefir" to their animals. Cases of cats developing fatal brain damage after consuming contaminated raw milk have been reported on farms with infected cows.
The bird flu outbreak (H5N1 avian influenza) has affected U.S. dairy operations since March, with California reporting nearly 500 of the over 700 infected herds nationwide. The CDC reports 57 human infections this year, including 31 in California, mostly among dairy and poultry workers in close contact with infected animals.
Raw Farm's owner, Mark McAfee, maintains there are no food safety concerns, describing the situation as a "political issue" in a recent social media post. The company states they are cooperating with regulatory agencies while working to restore supply.
Health officials have consistently cautioned against raw milk consumption due to potential pathogen risks. The current outbreak underscores ongoing debates about raw milk regulation and safety in the United States.