Bird Flu Virus Found in Samples of Raw Milk at Local Markets

Los Angeles County health officials announced Wednesday that high-end Erewhon Market on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena is among many Los Angeles County retailers that may have sold raw milk now being voluntarily recalled after testing positive for H5 bird flu virus in a retail sample.

The affected product, produced by Raw Farm LLC at the request of the state, is cream top, whole raw milk with lot code 20241109 and a “best by” date of November 27, 2024.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is directing consumers not to drink the affected milk and to return it immediately to their point of purchase.

While no illnesses have been reported in Los Angeles County related to the contaminated milk, health officials are taking precautionary measures due to ongoing concerns about H5 bird flu spread in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases.

The Department of Public Health is notifying retailers to remove the affected raw milk from their shelves.

“Health inspectors in L.A. County will be visiting retail establishments where this product was sold to ensure that it is no longer available for purchase,” the agency said.

Additional retailers beyond the Pasadena Erewhon Market at 475 S. Lake Ave. may have received the affected products, with more stores potentially being identified as the investigation continues.

According to the DPH, some retailers where the product was sold in LA County also include:

Back Door Bakery, 8349 Foothill Blvd., Sunland;
Eataly, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles;
Erewhon Market, 26767 Agoura Rd., Calabasas;
Erewhon Market, 4121 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles;
Erewhon Market, 7660 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles;
Lazy Acres, 1841 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles;
Vitamin City LB, 6247 E. Spring St., Long Beach;
Vitamin City, 642 W. Arrow Hwy., San Dimas; and
The Whole Wheatery, 44264 10th St. W, Lancaster.

DPH said additional retailers may be confirmed as the investigation continues.

Out of an abundance of caution, officials emphasize that consumers should not consume any of the affected raw milk due to the ongoing spread of H5 bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and sporadic human cases.