Decades ago, pasteurization of milk was adopted as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous pathogens. “Raw milk”, originating from cows, sheep, or goats, is milk that has not undergone pasteurization (a heating process developed in 1864 by Louis Pasteur). Raw milk has been associated with numerous disease outbreaks, including from bacteria such as listeria and e. coli. Recently, scientists have detected the H5N1 avian flu virus in raw milk from cows in the United States.
The Hopewell Township Health Department is encouraging residents to buy dairy products labeled as pasteurized, refrigerate dairy products at 40°F or below, and throw away expired dairy products to keep you & your family safe! For more information about how the FDA is assuring safety of the milk supply please visit: https://www.fda.gov/food/milk-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/questions-and-answers-regarding-milk-safety-during-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-outbreaks