Recent studies confirm pasteurization eliminates bird flu in milk, though health experts warn against consuming raw dairy amidst an avian influenza surge.
Sara Moniuszko reports for CBS News.
In short:
- Unpasteurized dairy products may harbor bird flu and other pathogens, posing serious health risks.
- The CDC labels raw milk as a high-risk food due to its potential for contamination.
- Despite some public resistance, experts confirm pasteurized milk retains essential nutrients without compromising safety.
Key quote:
"Do not consume unpasteurized dairy products. I know there are people that are real advocates for it, but this is not the time to do it."
— Dr. Nidhi Kumar, physician
Why this matters:
Health experts caution that while the primary transmission route of bird flu to humans has typically been direct contact with infected birds, the potential for foodborne transmission, although currently considered low, cannot be entirely ruled out without more conclusive research. Unlike their pasteurized counterparts, which are heated to kill bacteria and viruses, unpasteurized dairy products can harbor pathogens that pose serious health risks to consumers.
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