FDA tests aged raw cow's milk cheese for deadly bird flu outbreak

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a program to test aged raw cow's milk cheese for cases of bird flu. The sampling effort began at the end of December 2024 and is expected to conclude by the end of March 2025, with the possibility of an extension if deemed necessary. The FDA aims to collect 300 samples of cheese that has been aged for at least 60 days, which will be gathered from various warehouses and distribution centers throughout the country. The collection of samples is in response to an ongoing avian influenza outbreak that has been affecting the U.S. The FDA has stated that they will employ PCR tests to analyze the collected samples for genetic material associated with bird flu. Results from these tests are anticipated to be available within one week following sample collection. If any samples are found to carry the virus, they will undergo additional viability testing, where the virus will be injected into an embryonated egg to determine if it can grow or replicate. With the increasing concerns surrounding the safety of raw milk products, the FDA had previously issued warnings against the consumption of unpasteurized milk and cheese, noting that these products are high-risk due to potential pathogens. Raw milk cheese in the U.S. may be produced but must be aged for a minimum of 60 days to mitigate health risks associated with unpasteurized dairy. Despite these regulations, there is ongoing debate about the implications this could have on public health, particularly since the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the bird flu situation. The first reported human case of bird flu in the U.S. occurred in April 2024, and as of early January 2025, a total of 66 human cases have been documented across seven states, with California recording the highest number at 36 cases. Most human cases linked to bird flu have remained mild, primarily affecting individuals who had close contact with infected animals. This situation underscores the urgent need for testing and monitoring of products made from raw milk to ensure the safety of consumers while balancing the interests of the dairy industry.