What are the risks of raw milk? Experts warn of increased chances of infection, illness

The debate over raw milk consumption continues to stir controversy despite the warnings from experts about its potential health risks. Raw milk, also known as unpasteurized milk, is milk that has not undergone the pasteurization process that eliminates harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Advocates of raw milk, including public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s health secretary nominee, argue that unpasteurized milk has health benefits compared to pasteurized milk. However, microbiologists warn that the evidence clearly shows drinking raw milk is far riskier and may lead to harmful outcomes.

Last month, raw milk sold by a California farm was recalled after the avian flu virus was found in multiple samples. Health officials suspended the product’s distribution, emphasizing that consuming raw milk poses significant risks.

Pasteurization, developed by French chemist Louis Pasteur in the mid-1860s, is a process by which liquids are heated to eliminate harmful pathogens while retaining nutritional quality. Pasteurized milk, like the kind purchased in grocery stores, is considered safer than raw milk by microbiologists.

In Canada, pasteurization was made mandatory in 1991, and it is illegal to distribute or sell raw milk. Butter and cheese made from unpasteurized milk are allowed to be sold after aging a minimum of 60 days.

Consuming raw milk raises the risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses like E. coli, Listeria, salmonella, and campylobacter, as well as the avian flu virus. These pathogens can cause severe illnesses and even death in some cases.

In a 2023 E. coli outbreak in B.C., linked to the consumption of cheese made from raw milk, 10 people fell ill, and one person died. The pathogens present in raw milk, particularly E. coli, often come from cattle feces, posing a significant health risk.

Despite claims by raw milk proponents that pasteurization reduces nutrients and minerals, research shows that the vitamin content of milk is more affected by factors like the cow’s diet and health status. Buying pasteurized milk from a grocery store is considered a safer option, as it contains milk from hundreds of cows, ensuring a more nutritionally consistent product.

Experts caution against consuming raw milk, likening it to risky behaviors like speeding. While not everyone who drinks raw milk will necessarily fall ill, the risk of infection increases, especially for vulnerable populations like young children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

In conclusion, the debate over raw milk consumption continues to be a topic of contention. While some advocate for its supposed health benefits, experts warn of the significant risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk. It is crucial to prioritize food safety and follow regulations to protect public health and well-being.