Health Alert: Bird Flu Fragments Found in Pasteurised Milk Samples
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States discovered fragments of the bird flu virus in samples of pasteurised milk, raising concerns about the safety of dairy products.
Test Results Awaited
The FDA is currently awaiting test results to understand the impact of pasteurisation on the virus present in cow’s milk. While the agency has assured the public that the milk is safe for consumption, further confirmation is pending.
Recent Developments
Less than a month ago, the H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected in dairy cows across multiple states, leading to heightened monitoring and investigation efforts by the FDA, USDA, and CDC.
Commercial Milk Supply Assurance
The FDA has emphasized that despite the presence of virus fragments, the commercial milk supply remains safe. The testing method used, known as PCR testing, aims to detect genetic material rather than live viruses.
Effect of Pasteurisation
While pasteurisation is believed to deactivate the virus, the FDA is conducting further studies to determine if viral particles can still persist in milk post-processing. Results from ongoing investigations will be shared with the public in the coming days.
Egg Inoculation Testing
In its testing procedures, the FDA will utilize egg inoculation tests as a standard method to assess the infectivity of samples. By injecting infected milk into chicken eggs, researchers can observe virus replication, providing crucial insights into the effectiveness of pasteurisation.