Robert F. Kennedy Jr. insists raw milk improves health against FDA warnings
- California regulators recalled two batches of raw milk after detecting avian flu virus fragments in late November 2024.
- Despite health warnings, sales of raw milk have increased, fueled by advocates claiming health benefits.
- Health experts continue to caution consumers about the risks associated with raw milk, especially concerning the avian flu virus.
In late November 2024, the California Department of Public Health recalled two batches of raw, unpasteurized milk from a Fresno dairy farm due to the detection of avian flu virus fragments. This incident raised concerns among consumers regarding the safety of the U.S. milk supply. Despite warnings from health experts, sales of raw milk have increased, with advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoting its supposed health benefits. The avian flu, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been spreading among poultry and dairy herds, prompting heightened vigilance among regulators and food scientists. They continue to warn that raw milk may contain high levels of avian flu virus and other harmful pathogens. This fits into a broader narrative as health officials are uncertain about the long-term implications of avian flu on non-avian species and consumers. The situation highlights the tension between consumer choices regarding raw and pasteurized milk, with health risks underscored by the presence of common dairy pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Pasteurization has been a key process in ensuring the safety of milk since its adoption prior to World War II, when it significantly reduced foodborne illness outbreaks linked to dairy products.