The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released results from its national commercial milk sampling study underway in coordination with the USDA. The study included 297 total retail dairy samples. Preliminary results of egg inoculation tests on a second set of 201 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-positive retail dairy samples, including cottage cheese and sour cream, in addition to fluid milk, show that pasteurization is effective in inactivating HPAI.

The additional preliminary testing did not detect any live, infectious virus.

In addition to preliminary results released late last week on an initial set of 96 retail milk samples, the FDA says these results reaffirm its assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe.

To ensure the safety of milk-derived products for the youngest populations, the FDA also tested samples of retail powdered infant formula and powdered milk products marketed as toddler formula. All qPCR results of formula testing were negative, indicating no detection of HPAI viral fragments or virus in powdered formula products so no further testing was required for these samples. The FDA is continuing to identify additional products that may be tested.

The FDA is also continuing to test samples of pooled raw milk that has been routed to pasteurization and processing for commercial use. This will be used as a basis to characterize potential virus levels that pasteurization may encounter – and will be used to inform studies to further validate pasteurization.  

As this situation evolves, the FDA will continue to consider all ongoing scientific research related to the effectiveness of pasteurization for HPAI in bovine milk. The agency is also committed to continued surveillance of milk production, processing and pasteurization to help ensure the safety of the milk supply. State partners are integral to this process, and FDA will continue working with state co-regulators on managing this emerging disease.

The FDA continues to advise strongly against the consumption of raw milk and recommends that industry does not manufacture or sell raw milk or raw milk products.