Report Uncovers Major Raw Milk Outbreak in Recent US History

Fast Summary:

• A Salmonella outbreak linked to raw milk affected 171 people between September 2023 and march 2024, including 159 confirmed cases and 12 probable cases.
• Most cases occurred in california, with isolated incidences in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington state.
• Teh outbreak disproportionately affected children: around 70% of those infected were under 18 years old.
• The dairy farm implicated was identified as Raw Farm LLC in Fresno county following product recalls and facility inspections.Genetic analyses confirmed the source of the infection.
• Raw milk products are banned from interstate commerce due to public health risks but may still be sold for pet consumption or raw cheese aged over 60 days, which could explain cross-state infections.
• Public health experts continue cautioning against consuming raw milk due to its risks of harboring pathogens like Campylobacter, E. coli, and others.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

This outbreak highlights critical lessons for india regarding food safety standards in dairy production. although pasteurized milk dominates India’s market due to its affordability and accessibility amid large-scale distribution systems, niche demand for organic or conventional forms like unpasteurized “raw” milk exists within certain consumer segments.Similar foodborne disease outbreaks linked to such practices underscore the need for strict regulations surrounding unpasteurized dairy products to prevent public health crises.India’s broader challenges include ensuring small-scale dairies adhere to safety measures effectively while balancing cultural traditions tied to local dairy consumption. Policymakers must proactively educate consumers about associated risks-a lesson reinforced by this case-and implement robust quality checks capable of curbing any crisis arising from unsafe practices.

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