raw milk

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a heating process that makes milk safe for consumption by destroying harmful bacteria.12

Dangers of Raw Milk

Raw milk can contain dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. These risks are particularly high for children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented numerous outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption and advises that consuming it is never considered safe.23

Pasteurization

Pasteurization, named after Louis Pasteur, was widely adopted in the early 20th century to prevent diseases like tuberculosis and typhoid fever that were commonly transmitted through raw milk. Scientific studies indicate that pasteurization does not significantly alter the nutritional content of milk, preserving its proteins, fats, and minerals.2