FDA finds traces of H5N1 bird flu viruses in grocery store milk but says pasteurized dairy products are still safe

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected viral particles of H5N1 avian influenza in milk purchased at grocery stores. However, the FDA believes that the milk is safe to drink, as highly sensitive lab tests suggest the viral particles are likely remnants of viruses killed during pasteurization. While the FDA does not believe the particles can infect people, additional tests are being conducted. Milk from sick cows is being diverted or destroyed, and interstate commerce milk is being pasteurized. The commercial milk supply is deemed safe, but multiple studies are ongoing.