Bird flu virus: Public warned against consuming recalled raw milk

In this photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a lactating dairy cow stands in a pen before inoculation against bird flu at the National Animal Disease Center research facility in Ames, Iowa, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP)

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Tuesday warned residents to avoid consuming voluntarily recalled raw milk due to a detection of H5 bird flu virus in a retail sample.

Many retailers in Los Angeles may have sold recalled raw milk that could be contaminated with the virus, the agency said.

No illnesses associated with this lot of raw milk have been reported in LA County, according to DPH.

The Raw Farm LLC issued a voluntary recall, at the request of the state, of the affected cream top, whole raw milk with lot code 20241109 and “best by” date of 11/27/2024 printed on the packaging. Customers should immediately return any remaining product to the retail point of purchase, DPH said.

According to DPH, some retailers where the product was sold in LA County include:

— Back Door Bakery, 8349 Foothill Blvd., Sunland;
— Eataly, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles;
— Erewhon Market, 475 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena;
— Erewhon Market, 26767 Agoura Rd., Calabasas;
— Erewhon Market, 4121 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles;
— Erewhon Market, 7660 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles;
— Lazy Acres, 1841 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles;
— Vitamin City LB, 6247 E. Spring St., Long Beach;
— Vitamin City, 642 W. Arrow Hwy., San Dimas; and
— The Whole Wheatery, 44264 10th St. W, Lancaster.

DPH said additional retailers may be confirmed as the investigation continues.

Although no illnesses associated with this lot of raw milk have been reported in LA County, out of an abundance of caution, and due to the ongoing spread of H5 bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases, consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk, the agency said.

DPH is also notifying retailers to remove the affected raw milk from their shelves. Health inspectors in LA County will be visiting retail establishments where this product was sold to ensure that it is no longer available for purchase, the agency said. (CNS)