May 15th, 2024
2 mins
Please see the statement below, issued this week from the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA):
The FSA and Food Standards Scotland are aware of reports of a highly pathogenic influenza of avian origin, also known as bird flu, outbreak in cattle and dairy the USA.
As is our usual practice when new information becomes available, we have re-assessed the food safety risk for UK consumers. Our latest risk assessment (which includes emerging evidence from the US) has concluded the risk from influenza of avian origin in US dairy products to UK consumers is Very Low. The new Rapid Risk Assessment is published on food.gov.uk: Rapid Risk Assessment: Risk to UK consumers from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 B3.13 in US dairy products | Food Standards Agency
Previous FSA risk assessments can be found here:
We are working with Defra, the UKHSA and international experts in monitoring the situation, assessing the emerging information, and continuing to protect UK consumers and will update you as the situation develops.
