The recent emergence of bovine influenza-H5N1 now diagnosed in 54 herds in 9 states, creates a risk of infection from consuming non-pasteurized milk. Heat treatment during pasteurization effectively destroys most viruses and non-spore forming bacterial pathogens. To date there is no indication that either consumers of fluid milk or eggs have been impacted by bovine influenza-H5N1 or the avian counterpart. The fact that eggs have not been subject to consumer resistance following outbreaks of HPAI is attributed to prompt cessation of distribution from affected complexes and that eggs are cooked in home and institutional kitchens providing a justified sense of security.
Predictably, CDC has warned against drinking raw milk. From 1998 to 2018, the CDC documented 200 outbreaks directly attributed to raw milk, resulting in 2,600 cases and 225 hospitalizations. Prior to mandatory pasteurization for milk shipped interstate, 25 percent of all cases of foodborne infection could be traced to milk and dairy products. Currently, milk and dairy are responsible for slightly less than one percent of foodborne infections. It is calculated that one percent of the population regularly consume non-pasteurized milk representing 0.006 percent of all fluid milk consumed. This minute quantity is responsible for a disproportionate number of milk-borne infections.
Demand for raw milk soared during the COVID period when it became a freedom issue as a counter to recommendations for masking and vaccination to control the emerging infection. A raw-milk producer in California noted, “Anything that the FDA tells consumers to do, they do the opposite.”
The demand for raw milk has surprised food safety experts. Dr. Donald Schaffner of Rutgers University characterized that the demand for raw milk is “absolutely stunning” and Dr. Alex O’Brien, Coordinator for Safety and Quality at the Center for Dairy Research, stated, “I liken drinking raw milk to playing Russian roulette. The more times people consume it, the greater the chance they will get sick.” Notwithstanding reasons and scientific advice, social media is replete with false claims of nutritional superiority for raw milk and anecdotal reports of freedom from infection. The very young are vulnerable to bacterial infections including STEC that is associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome. Allowing pre-teens to consume raw milk is a form of abuse.
Dr. Matthew Motta of Boston University attributes the demand for raw milk as a manifestation of “partisanship, politic ideology, religion and cultural values” and not simply due to availability or ignorance. Dr. Motta recommends that federal health agencies should respond with appropriate advice and scientific fact on social media promoting the safety of pasteurized milk. Unfortunately, in a polarized nation with web-disseminated misinformation and conspiracies, consumers have made up their minds and no amount of web postings will sway their convictions.