FDA Says ‘Milk Supply is Safe’ After Bird Flu Virus Detected

The Food and Drug Administration reported this week that samples of pasteurized milk have tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus.

Key Quotes: A statement from the FDA stressed that pasteurized milk remains safe, stating, “Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria and viruses by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time to make milk safer. Even if virus is detected in raw milk, pasteurization is generally expected to eliminate pathogens to a level that does not pose a risk to consumer health … While milk is pasteurized, not sterilized, this process has helped ensure the health of the American public for more than 100 years by inactivating infectious agents.”

Details: Despite the FDA’s assurances, fears of a deadly outbreak remain. This week, Columbia announced restrictions on the import of beef products from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza. Government officials have reported that no U.S. beef cattle have tested positive for bird flu.

How the Media Covered It: The Washington Post (Lean Left bias) focused coverage on the government response to the outbreak, comparing it to the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and reporting that “Federal agencies with competing interests are slowing the country’s ability to track and control anoutbreak of highly virulent bird flu.” Coverage from Fox News (Right bias) only included quotes downplaying the danger.