Bird Flu Virus Found in Pasteurized Milk Samples

FDA and Experts Emphasize No Safety Concerns for Consumers

Recent Findings Confirm Infectious Potential in Certain Circumstances

In a concerning development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the detection of remnants of the bird flu virus in pasteurized milk samples. However, government officials and scientific experts have reassured the public that there are no safety concerns for consumers.

The FDA's findings stem from new laboratory experiments involving milk from cows infected with the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu. These experiments have demonstrated that the virus can remain infectious, particularly when milk is left unrefrigerated for extended periods.

The FDA's initial tests were conducted on pasteurized milk purchased from grocery stores in regions where cows had tested positive for bird flu. The agency's results indicate that approximately 1 in 5 tested samples contained traces of the virus.

Despite these findings, both the FDA and independent experts emphasize that the risk to human health remains extremely low. Pasteurization effectively kills active viruses, rendering milk safe for consumption. Additionally, the FDA has implemented stringent surveillance measures to monitor milk production and prevent the entry of contaminated products into the market.