Summary
You know how milk is usually heated up to kill harmful bacteria, right? Well, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s tipped to join the Trump administration, is a big fan of raw milk, arguing it’s healthier because this process also destroys nutrients. However, his favorite brand, Raw Farm, has had to recall some of its products in California because they’ve tested positive for bird flu, sparking a debate about the safety of raw milk, especially given the disease is spreading among the state’s dairy herds.
Key Points
• Raw Farm, the raw milk brand favored by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is facing a recall in California over safety concerns as the CEO, Mark McAfee, is being considered for a role in the Trump administration.
• The recall is due to several batches of raw milk products testing positive for H5N1, or bird flu, which is spreading rampantly among California’s dairy herds.
• The state is working aggressively to contain the spread of bird flu in humans and animals, with 31 people and over 475 dairies testing positive for the virus in California.
• The FDA is currently involved in an “enforcement action” with Raw Farm and advocates against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
• Kennedy, a raw milk enthusiast, has promised to end the “aggressive suppression” of raw milk with his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Background
• Raw milk is a controversial product due to the health risks it poses. Supporters argue that pasteurizing milk destroys its nutritional value, but this has not been proven. The FDA and other health authorities strongly advise against consuming raw milk due to the risk of bacterial and viral contamination.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prominent advocate for raw milk and has been linked with Raw Farm, a company currently facing a recall over bird flu concerns.
Future Implications
• If Kennedy is confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his position on raw milk could influence FDA policy and cause more states to pass laws expanding raw milk access.
• The ongoing bird flu outbreak could impact the dairy industry, especially if more cases are linked to raw milk consumption. This could lead to stricter regulations and enforcement actions against raw milk producers.
