**Raw Milk from Fresno Company Found to Contain Bird Flu, Officials Warn**

Public health officials in California are urging consumers to steer clear of a specific batch of raw milk after it was found to be contaminated with bird flu. The alert follows tests confirming the presence of the virus in products from Raw Farm, a Fresno-based company previously known as Organic Pastures Dairy Company.

Dr. Jim Keany, Chief Medical Officer at St. Mary's Long Beach, cautioned that though this strain of bird flu may not typically infect humans, exposure poses unnecessary risks. "We'd rather not have humans interact with this virus and possibly create a new form of bird flu that could spark a large outbreak," Keany stated.

He further added that raw milk itself can harbor dangerous bacteria, carrying the potential for severe illness or even death. The recent bird flu finds have led to a recall of Raw Farm's milk products, drawing attention to a history of similar issues at the dairy. Mitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, noted that Raw Farm has been implicated in several recalls over the years, including those for E. coli and salmonella.

Baum expressed concern over what she sees as a growing trend in food recalls. Alongside the contaminated raw milk, other products like organic carrots, ready-to-eat meats, and deli items have also been flagged for safety concerns. "This latest recall is part of a troubling trend," said Baum.

With the holiday season upon us, food safety remains a pressing issue for many families. Dr. Keany reassured that robust surveillance and monitoring systems are in place, although he emphasized the importance of pasteurization as a proven method for eliminating harmful bacteria in milk. "When pasteurization is not applied, the risk for outbreaks increases," he concluded.

For those looking to stay updated on food safety alerts, resources such as the FDA's website and Stop Foodborne Illness are available for the latest information.