Why can drinking raw milk be dangerous? Foodborne illnesses, bacterial infections, and who faces greater risk

Raw milk is often romanticised as the pure and nutrient rich cousin of its pasteurised counterpart, praised for enzymes, probiotics, and vitamins. But behind the rustic charm lies a serious public health concern. Unpasteurised milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E coli, and Listeria, which cause severe foodborne illness and sometimes life threatening complications. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immunity are particularly vulnerable.

A comprehensive review by Johns Hopkins researchers found that raw milk increases the risk of foodborne illness more than one hundred times compared to pasteurised milk. Despite making up only a fraction of overall consumption, it has been linked to more than half of milk related outbreaks worldwide.

The health risks are sobering. Salmonella infection brings diarrhoea, fever, and cramps. Certain strains of E coli can lead to kidney failure. Listeria poses an especially grave danger to pregnant women, sometimes resulting in miscarriage or newborn infections. Even farms with strict hygiene cannot fully eliminate bacterial contamination during milking or storage.

Complications go far beyond a troubled stomach. Severe cases have resulted in sepsis, neurological damage, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kidney threatening condition caused by E coli. For vulnerable groups, even a single glass of raw milk can be dangerous.

Advocates often claim raw milk is healthier, but research does not support the notion. Pasteurised milk retains its nutritional profile, from calcium to vitamin B12, without carrying the bacterial gamble.

The safest choice remains pasteurised milk. If raw milk is consumed at all, it must be purchased from certified suppliers, stored under strict refrigeration, and boiled before drinking, though doing so negates the very argument for consuming it raw. In the end, safety outweighs sentiment.
**This news was published on Times of India on 27th August, 2025.

 

 

 

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