I would say obfuscate in place of minimize, but otherwise, yeah. They, at least, were careful to say that the milk MIGHT not be safe, etc. What they're doing is obfuscating in deference to dairy and cattle farmers, I think.
"The USDA did not respond to STAT’s questions about the rationale for the 30-animal cap."
I get the feeling questions are being asked, but, they're under no obligation to answer them at this point.