A warning about raw milk | Food safety news

Editor’s note: The following commentary is in honor of National Dairy Month

Milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese contain many healthy nutrients. However, raw milk or unpasteurized milk can contain harmful germs that can lead to foodborne illness. Protect yourself from illness caused by unpasteurized milk and milk products during National Dairy Month by reading about raw milk and handling foods safely.

People at higher risk of infections or foodborne illness include:

• Those with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes)
• Children and teenagers
• Older adults
• People who are pregnant

Pasteurization is a process in which milk is heated to a specific combination of temperature and short time to kill harmful germs. Any animal milk or animal milk product made with milk that has not been pasteurized is considered unpasteurized or raw. Raw milk may contain germs that can cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and Listeria. Symptoms of foodborne illness, often called food poisoning, include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, very serious symptoms and complications can occur.

Protect yourself from foodborne illness from unpasteurized milk.

Asking questions

• Read the label on dairy products. Most pasteurized dairy products have the word “pasteurized” on the label.
• If you are concerned, ask a grocer or store clerk to confirm whether milk products are pasteurized, or contact the manufacturer listed on the label. If you have any concerns while eating at a restaurant, ask a waiter to confirm it with the chef.
• Check at farmers markets to see if dairy products are pasteurized.

Milk myths

• Pasteurizing milk does NOT reduce the nutritional value of milk.
• Pasteurizing milk does NOT mean it is safe to leave at room temperature for extended periods of time.
• Pasteurizing milk does NOT cause lactose intolerance or allergic reactions.
• Pasteurizing milk DOES kill harmful germs, which in turn saves lives.
• Raw milk and raw milk products marketed for pets and animals ARE NOT safe for humans to eat or drink.

Know what low- and high-risk dairy products are

Choose your milk and milk products carefully to avoid getting sick from germs in raw milk. The guidelines below include low- and high-risk dairy products, especially if you are at higher risk for infections or foodborne illness.

Low risk:

• Pasteurized milk or cream
• Hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan
• Soft cheeses such as brie, camembert and blue-veined cheeses made from pasteurized milk
• Processed cheeses, such as American cheese or cheese spread
• Cream cheese, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese made from pasteurized milk
• Yogurt, pudding, ice cream and frozen yogurt made from pasteurized milk.

High risk:

• Unpasteurized milk or cream
• Soft cheeses such as brie or camembert made from unpasteurized milk
• Queso fresco-style cheeses such as queso fresco, queso Blanco and requesón are made with both pasteurized and unpasteurized milk.
• Yogurt, pudding, ice cream and frozen yogurt made from unpasteurized milk.

For more information visit https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/dangers-raw-milk-unpasteurized-milk-can-pose-serious-health-risk.

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