What Is Raw Milk?

Milk typically undergoes a process called pasteurization, which is a heat treatment that destroys harmful microorganisms. However, some people choose to drink what’s referred to as raw milk—meaning milk that hasn’t been pasteurized.

This article provides insights into raw milk, including whether it’s safe, if it’s nutritionally different from pasteurized milk, and more.

Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink?

The short answer is no—raw milk is not safe to drink.

Milk provides an array of nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet. However, raw milk can carry several harmful germs, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These germs can cause serious foodborne illnesses.

Often, the illnesses are temporary, causing short-term nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, life-threatening complications can occur.

While rare, researchers have detected the avian flu virus (bird flu) in raw milk. Pasteurization effectively eliminates this risk, but if consumed in raw milk, it poses a serious health concern.

Who Is at Greater Risk of Getting Sick from Drinking Raw Milk?

Infections from drinking raw milk can affect anyone. However, the risk is higher for people with weakened immune systems. This includes:

• Children
• Teens
• Older adults
• Pregnant people
• Those with conditions like diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and others

Consuming raw milk can be particularly dangerous for people in these groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from raw milk is especially high for children and teens.

Does Raw Milk Have Health Benefits Over Pasteurized Milk?

There is no evidence that unpasteurized milk is better for you than pasteurized milk. So, the answer to whether raw milk can cure or prevent illnesses like asthma, allergies, or lactose intolerance is no—it can’t.

Research does not support these claims, and studies confirm that raw milk can increase the risk of illness.

Does Pasteurization Affect the Nutritional Value of Milk?

One of the reasons milk producers use pasteurization is that it’s a true win-win for consumers. Pasteurized milk is safe to drink with no significant loss of nutritional value.

Pasteurization may cause a slight reduction in certain heat-sensitive vitamins, like vitamin C, but the overall nutritional profile of milk remains largely unchanged.

Is Raw Milk Legal to Sell and Buy?

The sale of raw milk is regulated at the state level. Approximately half of U.S. states prohibit raw milk sales. That includes Kentucky, where raw milk sales are banned, with the exception of raw goat milk sales when the buyer has a written recommendation from a physician. The sale of raw milk for human consumption is also illegal in Indiana.

The sale of raw milk across state lines is illegal.

How Can I Ensure the Milk I Consume Is Safe?

Some products, like soft cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and others, may contain unpasteurized milk, so it’s essential to read the label. If you see “pasteurized” on the packaging, you know the item isn’t made with raw milk.

Talk With Your Baptist Health Doctor About Raw Milk

If you have questions about raw milk and its potential health effects, your Baptist Health doctor can provide guidance.

Don’t have a Baptist Health doctor? Visit our online provider directory to explore available physicians.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Nutrition Education and Diet Counseling
Milk Thistle Benefits and Side Effects
Nutrition for Women 50 and Over
Can Diet Affect Sleep?
What is the Keto Diet?