Relatedly, the recent suspension of the FDA’s Food Emergency Response Network Proficiency Testing Program has set off a firestorm. It’s completely understandable that people are scared about the safety of milk and dairy products. As a result, the program is instrumental in sustaining the quality of about 170 food safety laboratories across the country. It allows these labs to be at the front lines of quickly identifying dangerous pathogens. Experts warn that the pause in testing programs could potentially undermine public trust in the safety of dairy products, which can harbor dangerous bacteria.
Lewis Ziska, PhD, is an associate professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. He warned about the risks of milk becoming a reservoir for pathogens such as E. coli and Clostridium. He brings more than 20 years of USDA experience. He repeatedly called for the most robust, rigorous testing to ensure the safety of consumers. “Milk is a pretty good medium for everything from E. coli to Clostridium,” he stated.
Along with E. coli, milk can harbor a deadly menagerie of pathogens such as Listeria, which is responsible for severe illness and complications, including miscarriage. Experts say that pasteurized milk is essential to keeping things safe. Raw milk carries significant health risks and is too dangerous to consume. For anyone looking to drink their homemade pasteurized milk, it’s really easy to do! Just heat it to 145°F for 30 min.
Impacts on Milk Safety
In the wake of ongoing issues, the FDA has finally reversed course and suspended FERN’s Proficiency Testing Program. This action follows other recent freezes of similar directive testing programs that ensure all pathogens reliably identified in food products, including bird flu in dairy products and Cyclospora in many foods. Public health advocates and experts have lamented the recently passed legislative riders, warning that they set a dangerous precedent for the health of the public.
Donald W. Schaffner, PhD, is a professor and department chair at Rutgers University. He rang alarm bells about the unintended consequences of less government regulation. “Suspending the program does not inherently make dairy products less safe, but what it does do is reduce our confidence in the knowledge that they are safe,” he explained.
Regulatory authorities should continue to inspect all dairy processing facilities and test milk at the PMO standard. Experts are worried that the lack of any proficiency testing will leave consumers even more fearful and increase their sense of risk. Schaffner further elaborated on the importance of laboratory accuracy during emergencies, stating, “It’s really important that, if we have an emergency, we can trust the results coming out of these laboratories.”
Consumer Confidence and Dairy Consumption
Directly related to the suspension of the dairy industry’s proficiency testing program has been increased consumer distrust in dairy products. Schaffner says he will continue about his routine dairy consumption, even with today’s news of high-profile milk testing. He understands that the average consumer would be concerned about the safety of all dairy products if stringent testing is not conducted.
Despite these concerns, some experts argue that existing regulations under the PMO have maintained milk safety for over a century. Zeynep Ustunol, PhD, noted that “dairy facilities continue to be inspected, and milk continues to be tested by regulatory authorities as required by the PMO.” This predictable framework has given consumers confidence that their food supply is safe.
Food safety advocates are appalled by the rollback in federal government oversight of pasteurization processes. While there may not be a simply regulatory or practice change on the horizon, this topic is still generating a lot of discussion and controversy.
The Future of Dairy Safety
As discussions continue regarding the implications of suspending the FERN Proficiency Testing Program, experts urge consumers to remain informed about their dairy choices. Raw milk poses serious risks that pasteurization is designed to address. Although pasteurized options are readily accessible and the safer choice, knowing what safety practices lay the foundation can help consumers feel empowered.
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