[Heaven forbid!]

The recent news about bird flu and its detection in milk highlights serious concerns about the safety of raw milk and its use in holiday traditions like eggnog.

Posted by Jackie MitchellPublished December 23, 2024

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Eggnog is a beloved holiday tradition, conjuring images of festive gatherings and mugs filled with creamy, spiced goodness. But recent concerns about bird flu, or avian influenza, and its detection in milk have cast a shadow over this cherished drink. These developments raise important questions about the safety of raw milk and raw eggs, key ingredients in traditional eggnog recipes.

“Food safety risks tied to raw ingredients aren’t new, but the context of bird flu elevates the concerns,” said Dr. Darin Detwiler, associate professor at Northeastern University. “For families gathering during the holidays, understanding these risks and making safer choices is essential to preserving both traditions and health.”

BIRD FLU AND ITS CONNECTION TO MILK. Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to humans and other animals. Recent reports of bird flu being detected in milk have heightened concerns about the safety of raw, unpasteurized dairy products.

“Bird flu underscores the vulnerabilities in our food systems,” Detwiler explained. “While the virus’s primary route is through birds, the detection of avian influenza in milk highlights the broader risks of raw, unpasteurized products.”

Raw milk, which hasn’t undergone pasteurization to kill harmful pathogens, has long been associated with foodborne illnesses, including those caused by Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella. These risks are compounded by the potential for cross-contamination during milking or handling.

RAW EGGS: ANOTHER RISKY INGREDIENT. Eggnog traditionally includes raw or lightly cooked eggs, which can pose their own safety concerns. Raw eggs are a known source of Salmonella, a bacterium that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While pasteurized eggs—eggs that have been heated to kill bacteria—offer a safer alternative, many home cooks may not be aware of this option.

“Raw eggs in eggnog are a classic example of how tradition can sometimes overlook modern food safety risks,” said Detwiler. “Fortunately, pasteurized eggs allow us to enjoy this holiday favorite without sacrificing safety.”

THE VULNERABLE AMONG US. Foodborne illnesses pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, young children, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems. For these groups, exposure to pathogens like Salmonella or Listeria can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization or even death.

“The holidays should be a time of celebration, not a time of worry about who might get sick from a traditional drink,” Detwiler emphasized. “By choosing pasteurized ingredients and taking proper precautions, we can protect our loved ones and still enjoy the foods we love.”

THREE TIPS FOR MAKING SAFER EGGNOG. For those who can’t imagine the holidays without eggnog, there are several ways to enjoy it safely:

1. Use Pasteurized Ingredients: Opt for pasteurized milk and eggs when making homemade eggnog. Pasteurized products undergo a heating process that kills harmful bacteria without compromising flavor or texture.
2. Consider Cooked Eggnog Recipes: Heat the egg mixture to at least 160°F while stirring constantly to kill bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is reached.
3. Choose Store-Bought Eggnog: Commercially prepared eggnog is typically made with pasteurized ingredients and undergoes processing that eliminates harmful pathogens, making it a safer option for all.

RAW MILK: A RISK NOT WORTH TAKING. Raw milk has become a point of contention in recent years, with some proponents claiming it offers health benefits or a superior taste. However, the risks far outweigh the rewards.

“Raw milk carries a real and significant risk of harmful bacteria,” said Detwiler. “These pathogens don’t just cause mild illness—they can lead to severe outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations.”

In the context of bird flu, the detection of the virus in milk adds another layer of concern. Pasteurization remains the most effective method for ensuring the safety of milk and milk-based products, including eggnog. 

PRESERVING TRADITIONS WHILE PRIORITIZING SAFETY. Holiday traditions like eggnog are worth preserving, but they must be adapted to prioritize modern food safety practices. Awareness and education are key to maintaining these traditions without compromising health.

“The good news is that we don’t have to choose between tradition and safety,” said Detwiler. “With a few adjustments — like using pasteurized eggs and milk or trying a cooked recipe — we can enjoy eggnog while ensuring it’s safe for everyone at the table.”

While bird flu and concerns about raw ingredients may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity to revisit how we prepare and consume traditional holiday favorites. By choosing safer alternatives and educating ourselves about food safety, we can continue to celebrate without unnecessary risks.

“Food traditions are part of what makes the holidays special,” Detwiler said. “We can keep the spirit of the season alive without sacrificing safety. When we adapt those traditions with safety in mind, we’re not just protecting our health — we’re ensuring those traditions can be passed down for generations to come.”

Default Mono Sans Mono Serif Sans Serif Comic Fancy Small CapsDefault X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-LargeDefault Outline Dark Outline Light Outline Dark Bold Outline Light Bold Shadow Dark Shadow Light Shadow Dark Bold Shadow Light BoldDefault Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced Thursday charges connected to one of the most “despicable and disgusting things” he’s seen.

By WIS News 10 Staff

Published: Dec. 19, 2024 at 2:24 PM PST|Updated: 17 hours ago

NORWAY, S.C. (WIS) – Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced Thursday charges connected to one of the most “despicable and disgusting things” he’s seen in his law enforcement career.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, deputies were called Wednesday around 10 a.m. to a residence in Norway.

The news release said a woman at the residence was burning 28-year-old Desmond Brown’s clothing during what the sheriff’s office described as a domestic dispute.

Deputies said Brown then threw a puppy into the fire while the animal was still alive.

Brown denied the accusations of animal cruelty, but the sheriff’s office said investigators were “sent a video of the event which had been uploaded to social media.”

Deputies searched the property and found two stolen vehicles. They also found that the puppy was dead, a news release said.

Brown was charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, one count of receiving stolen goods, ill treatment of animals and second-degree domestic violence.

If convicted on the animal cruelty charge alone, he could get jail time. His bond was denied, according to the sheriff’s office.

By Tyria Goines and Gray News staff

Published: Dec. 19, 2024 at 5:54 PM EST

(Gray News) – Public health officials are investigating two possible cases of bird flu in cats that consumed recalled raw milk.

According to a news release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the two indoor-living cats consumed a raw milk product linked to a recall of raw milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC.

After consumption, the cats reportedly showed symptoms of lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs. The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness and subsequently tested positive for Influenza A – a rare result in cats, officials say.

There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats yet identified.

While a confirmatory test is pending in these two cases, a nationwide H5 bird flu outbreak has seen other cats infected with the virus after consuming infected raw milk.

Health officials say cats may be exposed to H5 bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals, being in environments contaminated with the virus, and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows.

Health officials encourage residents to avoid consuming raw milk and to not feed it to their pets, including frozen raw milk products.

Symptoms of H5 bird flu infection in humans include eye redness or discharge, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing and fever.

Anyone who has consumed these specific recalled raw milk products and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider or local health department.