04/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 15:05
Texas consumers can trust that the milk supply remains safe despite virus particles
AUSTIN - Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller addressed growing concerns following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) discovery of HPAI particles in commercial grocery milk samples. While this development is significant, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), FDA, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the commercial milk supply is safe.
"There is no reason for consumers to panic," noted Commissioner Miller. "Milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption. Milk from affected cows is discarded before it can enter the supply chain. In the rare event that contaminated milk does enter the supply chain, pasteurization effectively kills viruses even if traces of the virus remain detectable."
For more than a century, pasteurization has secured the safety of dairy products worldwide. The pasteurization process is a crucial step in dairy production. To effectively kill harmful bacteria and viruses, the milk is heated to around 161°F (71.7°C) for 15 to 30 seconds. Even in cases where raw milk may contain a virus, pasteurization consistently kills pathogens to levels that pose no risk to consumer health.
"Nearly all commercial milk in the U.S. originates from the Grade "A" milk program," Commissioner Miller stated. "That is another way to maintain industry-wide safety and quality standards."
The USDA has confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus at 33 dairy cattle facilities across 8 states, including Kansas, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. Additionally, infections have been verified at eight poultry facilities spanning five states including Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas.
Effective Monday, April 29th, 2024, the USDA will require the following biosecurity mandates for dairy producers and animal health professionals:
"Even with USDA's recent restrictions on cattle movement, I remain confident that we won't see milk shortages or substantial price hikes," Miller added.
For answers to frequently asked questions, the USDA has an FAQ sheet here.
For guidance from the CDC for agriculture producers on proper PPE protection click here.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Maddison Jaureguito
Director of Communications
Texas Department of Agriculture
(512) 475-1669 (Office)
More TDA press releases are available at TexasAgriculture.gov/Newsroom.