Raw milk contains dangerous germs that cause food poisoning, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.
According to scientists, less than half of Americans know that drinking raw milk is less safe than drinking pasteurized milk. Many people believe that raw milk (which comes from animals like cows and goats and is not pasteurized to kill germs) tastes better than pasteurized milk. There are popular health claims related to raw milk, such as that it can cure lactose intolerance, treat allergies, and promote gut health.
However, extensive research indicates that none of these myths are true.
More than half of Americans are unaware of the dangers of raw milk
According to scientists, drinking raw milk or consuming products made from it carries more risks than pasteurized milk. The latest Annenberg Public Policy Center health survey indicates that less than half of American adults are aware that raw milk is less safe than pasteurized milk and many do not recognize the associated health risks.
According to the study, 47 percent are aware of the dangers of drinking raw milk, while 24 percent incorrectly think that pasteurization is not effective at killing bacteria and viruses in dairy products or are unsure if this is true.
“It’s important for anyone planning to consume raw milk to be aware that doing so can cause illness and that pasteurization reduces the risk of milk-borne illness,” said Patrick E. Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Institute for Health and Risk Communication at the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why is drinking raw milk dangerous for your health?
According Harvard HealthRaw milk contains dangerous germs that cause food poisoning, and most people with this condition experience a combination of abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Germs that can be found in raw milk and cause foodborne illness include: Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeriaand Campylobacter.
The CDC notes that unpasteurized dairy products are estimated to cause 840 times more illnesses and 45 times more hospitalizations than pasteurized products. Doctors say anyone who drinks raw milk can get sick, but it can be very dangerous:
- Babies, young children and adolescents with a not fully developed immune system.
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with diseases such as cancer, diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
In the United States, it is illegal to sell raw milk, and among the states that allow it, most specify that it must come directly from a farmer. Good farm hygiene practices can reduce the risk of contamination; however, they cannot guarantee that your raw milk is free of dangerous germs.
Bird flu detected in raw milk
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recent cases of bird flu, or H5N1 virus, have been detected in cow’s milk because cattle infected with avian influenza “shed the virus in their milk.” Technically known as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, the CDC noted that H5N1 bird flu is “widespread among wild birds around the world and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the United States.”
The presence of H5N1 was confirmed in livestock across the country in mid-March this year, causing four human cases of bird flu.
What is pasteurization and does it make milk safe?
According to the CDC, pasteurization is important for the safety of milk because it kills harmful germs that can cause illness. The process kills germs by using heat to at least 145° Fahrenheit and then rapidly cooling.
Among the arguments given in favor of drinking raw milk is that pasteurization destroys valuable nutrients, but the CDC says pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of drinking raw milk.
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