Payam Javan: Recent testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that pasteurization effectively neutralizes highly pathogenic avian influenza in milk.

The FDA collected samples from grocery stores in areas with confirmed cases of the flu in cattle, with about one in five samples testing positive for avian influenza. However, subsequent testing did not detect any live, infectious virus, reinforcing the safety of the commercial milk supply. Testing of powdered infant formula also returned negative results.

While experts believe pasteurization can deactivate the virus, the FDA is continuing testing to ensure milk safety. Cases of H5N1 in cattle have emerged in nine U.S. states, with the virus spreading between cows and possibly back to birds. In response, the White House has established an immediate response team to safeguard the food supply, while the USDA will require dairy cows to test negative for bird flu before interstate movement.