The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected genetic evidence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in pasteurized milk sold in the United States. This discovery has raised concerns about the safety of milk products, as the H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic and can cause severe illness in humans. However, the FDA emphasizes that pasteurization is a highly effective process that kills bacteria and viruses, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that H5N1 can be transmitted to humans through milk consumption.
The FDA is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination and ensure that milk products are safe for consumers. In the meantime, they advise consumers to follow safe food handling practices, such as thoroughly cooking poultry and eggs and washing hands after handling raw meat or poultry products. Consumers should also seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of bird flu, including fever, cough, and sore throat.