As of February, at least 165 people have been sickened with salmonella infections linked to products from Raw Farm, Fresno, California, marking the largest raw milk-related salmonella outbreak in the U.S. in the past decade.

 

Authorities are advising the public to avoid unpasteurized milk due to the avian flu virus H5N1, found in high levels in raw milk from more than 140 dairy herds in the U.S.

 

Raw Farm issued a voluntary recall of milk and cream sold between October 11 and November 6, but cases continued to rise. Documents show that over 60% of those interviewed reported consuming Raw Farm products, with infections in four states, though most cases (162) were in California.

 

 

Nearly 40% of illnesses affected children under 5 years old, with 20 people hospitalized and no deaths reported. The investigation, conducted by state and local health officials, concluded on May 4.

 

Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm, acknowledged the outbreak and noted that one infected cow was removed from the herd, implementing additional testing protocols. Jessie McGee, whose 6-year-old daughter was hospitalized, plans to sue the farm following her experience with raw milk.

 

"None of the possible benefits you could get from the milk are worth it," McGee said.