As the H5N1 avian flu virus continues to spread in poultry flocks and dairy cattle, consumers may worry about whether the U.S. milk supply is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the answer is yes, as long as the milk is pasteurized.

In late November 2024, however, California regulators recalled two batches of raw, unpasteurized milk from a Fresno dairy farm after bird flu virus was detected in the milk. The dairy subsequently recalled all of its raw milk and cream products from stores due to possible bird flu contamination. State regulators placed the farm under quarantine, suspending any new distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after November 27.

No human bird flu cases associated with the milk were detected immediately following the recalls. But officials strongly urged buyers not to drink raw milk from the affected batches and to return it to the store where they bought it.

Despite health experts’ warning that raw milk could contain high levels of the avian flu virus, along with many other pathogens, raw milk sales are up in the U.S. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom President-elect Donald Trump has said he will nominate to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has asserted that raw milk “advances human health,” contrary to warnings from FDA officials and food scientists.

As an extension food scientist in a state where raw milk sales are legal, I provide technical support to help processors produce high-quality, safe dairy foods. I also like to help people understand the confusing world of pasteurization methods on their milk labels, and why experts strongly discourage consuming raw milk and products made from........

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