Washington, December 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has taken a major step towards ensuring the safety and quality of raw milk in the United States. Today, they have announced the second round of states that will be joining their National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which was launched on December 6th. This strategy requires that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples from all over the country be collected and shared with USDA for testing.
This is a significant development in the dairy industry, as it will help to identify potential health risks associated with raw milk consumption and prevent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The NMTS is a proactive approach by the USDA to ensure the safety of our nation’s milk supply and protect the health of consumers.
The first round of states that joined the NMTS in December included California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Today, the USDA is pleased to announce that an additional 15 states will be joining the NMTS, bringing the total number of participating states to 40.
The new states joining the NMTS are Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. This is a significant expansion of the NMTS, and it demonstrates the commitment of these states to ensuring the safety of their milk supply.
Under the NMTS, raw milk samples will be collected from farms and tested for harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These bacteria can cause serious illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. By testing raw milk samples, the USDA will be able to identify any potential risks and work with farmers to address them before the milk reaches consumers.
The NMTS also includes a component of education and outreach to farmers and consumers. The USDA will be providing resources and information to farmers on best practices for milk production and handling to prevent contamination. They will also be educating consumers on the potential risks of consuming raw milk and the importance of pasteurization.
The NMTS is a collaborative effort between the USDA, state departments of agriculture, and the dairy industry. It is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to ensure the safety and quality of our nation’s milk supply. By working together, we can protect the health of consumers and maintain the integrity of the dairy industry.
The USDA is also working closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that the NMTS aligns with their regulations and guidelines. This collaboration will help to streamline the testing process and ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place.
The NMTS is a long-term strategy, and the USDA plans to continue expanding the program to include more states in the future. This will further strengthen the safety of our milk supply and provide consumers with peace of mind when purchasing dairy products.
In addition to the NMTS, the USDA is also investing in research to develop new technologies for testing and detecting harmful bacteria in milk. This will help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing, making the process even more effective in ensuring the safety of our milk supply.
In conclusion, the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and quality of raw milk in the United States. With the addition of 15 new states, the program now includes a total of 40 states, demonstrating the commitment of the dairy industry and state departments of agriculture to protecting the health of consumers. The USDA will continue to work towards expanding the program and investing in research to further strengthen the safety of our milk supply. Together, we can ensure that our nation’s milk supply is safe and of the highest quality for all consumers.
