Bird flu virus spotted in US raw milk: another red light for global table safety as food safety issues recur

Recently, the California Department of Public Health in the United States issued an urgent notice stating that avian flu virus was detected in raw milk samples from a raw milk dairy enterprise in the state. This news quickly garnered global attention, once again placing the issue of food safety in the United States under the spotlight. Earlier, a meat processing company in the United States also recalled over 100 types of beef mash products totaling 75.8 tons due to potential E. coli contamination, after at least 19 people fell ill from consuming them. These two incidents jointly highlight the severe challenges facing food safety in the United States.

Avian Flu Virus Sneaks into Raw Milk, Threatening Public Health Safety

The California Department of Public Health indicated that avian flu virus was detected in whole raw milk produced by Raw Farm. The company promptly took action to recall affected batches of raw milk and warned consumers not to consume them. Although no cases of infection have been reported so far due to consumption of this batch of milk, public health departments have issued clear warnings, advising consumers and retailers to pay attention to food safety.

The potential threat of avian flu virus to humans cannot be overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the H5N1 avian flu virus has a high mortality rate for humans. The discovery of avian flu virus in raw milk undoubtedly increases the risk of the virus spreading to humans. Especially for raw milk that has not undergone pasteurization, it may become a breeding ground for virus transmission.

Beef Mash Suspected of E. coli Contamination, 19 People Sickened

Meanwhile, another meat processing company in the United States, Wolverine Packing Co., has also fallen into a food safety crisis. The company recalled over 100 types of beef mash products totaling 75.8 tons due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. At least 19 people fell ill after consuming these beef mash products, with four requiring hospitalization and two experiencing severe complications that could lead to kidney failure.

1. coli contamination is a common issue in the field of food safety, but the severity of this incident cannot be ignored. E. coli O157:H7 is a highly toxic bacterium that can cause severe intestinal infections and even death. This beef mash contamination incident once again exposes loopholes in food safety at U.S. meat processing companies.

Frequent Food Safety Issues in the United States, Challenging Global Table Safety

In recent years, food safety issues in the United States have occurred frequently, raising widespread concerns among domestic and foreign consumers. From avian flu virus in raw milk to E. coli contamination in beef mash, and other various food safety incidents, the food safety situation in the United States is increasingly severe.

As one of the largest food producers and exporters globally, food safety issues in the United States not only affect the health of domestic consumers but also have an impact on global food trade and market confidence. In today’s globalized world, the complexity of food supply chains and the cross-border circulation of food make food safety issues at any link potentially rapidly spread globally.

Strengthening Regulation and Response Measures to Build a Food Safety Defense Line

In the face of frequent food safety issues, the U.S. government and relevant agencies need to take more forceful measures to strengthen regulation and response. This includes enhancing the transparency of food safety, increasing the frequency of testing agricultural products, and advancing technological innovation to establish more efficient tracing systems.

At the same time, companies should also take on more responsibility, strengthening product testing and quality control. In the event of a food safety crisis, companies should respond quickly and take effective measures to reduce risks, protect consumer interests, and maintain their brand image.

In summary, the discovery of avian flu virus in raw milk samples and the suspected E. coli contamination of beef mash in the United States have once again sounded the alarm for food safety. In today’s globalized world, food safety has become a common challenge faced by all. Only through the joint efforts of governments, companies, and consumers can a safer and more reliable food supply chain be built.