: FDA Halts Bird Flu Testing Improvements for Milk, Cheese, and Pet Food Amid Major Staff Cuts

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is suspending its efforts to enhance bird flu testing in milk, cheese, and pet food, according to an internal email obtained by Reuters and a source familiar with the matter. The move comes as the agency grapples with massive staffing reductions, which have forced a reevaluation of priorities. The pause in testing improvements raises concerns about food safety, especially as the threat of avian influenza remains a pressing issue. Experts warn that the decision could leave gaps in early detection and containment, potentially putting both animal and public health at greater risk.