Most people drink commercially pasteurized milk, which means a heating process has killed off dangerous bacteria. But some prefer the taste of raw, or unpasteurized, milk. They claim raw milk contains more nutrients because it is fresh and natural. But drinking raw milk can be hazardous, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Potential Dangers
Salmonella, listeria and E. coli are some of the potentially dangerous bacteria that raw milk can contain. Dairy farmers can't prevent bacteria from entering the milk, and you can't tell whether milk is contaminated by looking at it. That's why the Food and Drug Administration and many states require dairy manufacturers to heat milk to 161 degrees Fahrenheit and take other safety precautions to kill off bacteria.
Effect
Whenever people drink milk that hasn't undergone the pasteurization process, they can become sick. Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the infection, but they might include abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases, infections can lead to death.
Risk Groups
Young children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems face an increased risk of becoming sick after drinking raw milk. Their immune systems might not have the ability to fight off dangerous infections, so these groups should avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized products, including raw milk. Expecting mothers can transmit infections to unborn babies, so they also must avoid raw milk. Food-borne illnesses during pregnancy might cause miscarriage, stillbirth or future health problems for the baby.
Considerations
People who are at heightened risk might be more likely to experience severe complications due to food-borne illnesses, but even healthy people can die. There is no way to predict the effect an infection will have on you, so avoid drinking raw milk to maximize your safety. Terms like "organic," "locally grown" and "certified" don't indicate safety, according to FoodSafety.gov. Look for the term "pasteurized" to determine whether milk is safe.
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