The milk scare is over, folks. Despite the shakeup over an outbreak of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) affecting dairy cows across several states, it turns out your morning cereal's best companion is still on the menu. As the milk flows to your fridge, rest easy – federal health authorities assure you that the pasteurized stuff is as safe as it's always been.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, a joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with state partners has determined that there's no need to cry over potentially contaminated milk. The FDA's testing of dairy products nationwide, which, by the way, found no traces of the live virus, gives the green light for consumption of commercial milk. Why? Pasteurization – the century-old guardian against microbial invaders – has us covered by killing off the nasty bugs.
Despite the infection in cattle causing decreased lactation and appetite among other symptoms, the robust pasteurization process takes the credit for keeping our dairy safe. "Even if a virus is detected in raw milk, pasteurization is generally expected to eliminate pathogens to a level that doesn't pose a risk to consumer health," the Arizona Department of Health Services stated. The message is crystal clear: stick to pasteurized milk and steer clear of the raw kind, unless you're fond of unnecessary risks.
The powers that be at the FDA and USDA are elbow-deep in data and info, staying in lockstep with their state counterparts. Their mission: keep this diary dilemma in check. The word from these agencies is nothing short of reassuring, as they repeat their mantra: our commercial milk supply is safe. So go ahead and pour yourself another glass – the milk is just fine.
