Pasteurization Inactivates Highly Infectious Avian Flu in Milk

Microbiological surveillance of milk products can identify pathogens, and milk from cows with mastitis or other disease conditions does not enter the food supply. Finally, heating during the pasteurization process can destroy H5N1 and other, more common bacterial pathogens.

NJ Agriculture, Health Departments Caution Raw Milk Consumption for Humans, Pets After Bird Flu Outbreaks

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) are reminding residents of the risks associated with consuming raw milk amidst the current H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird flu) outbreak, especially considering virus detections in dairy cows in some states. There have been no reports of H5N1 bird flu among residents and no detections in dairy cows in New Jersey.

Natural Way Cheese Recalls All Cheese Products Due to Improper Pasteurization

Out of an abundance of caution, Natural Way Cheese, of Clare, MI, is voluntarily recalling all cheese products produced by the company between June 2, 2021, and August 2, 2021, because the products were not pasteurized according to legal requirements and do not meet labeling requirements or aging times for raw milk cheese, as outlined in Michigan’s Manufacturing Milk Law.