Theres a lot of misinformation out there about what things are really good for you or not.
Across the western U.S., people can buy raw dairy from retailers.
What Types of Raw Dairy Products Are Allowed?
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Raw milk laws typically apply to all dairy products, including those made from goats and sheeps milk.
What Is the Purpose of Pasteurization?
Pasteurization involves heating milk to the lowest possible temperature necessary to kill pathogens that cause disease.
In 1938,a quarterof foodborne illnesses were linked to milk.
Today,untreated milk can carry pathogensincludingListeria,Campylobacter,Salmonella, andE.
Getting sick with these bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable, but not life-threatening symptoms.
But sometimes, an infection can progress to a severe disease.
Some of these resulted in miscarriages, stillbirths, kidney failures, and deaths.
Is Raw Milk Safe?
Many microorganisms that can be harmful to humans exist naturally in dairy animals intestines.
Even the cleanest dairy farms cant totally control where bacteria-laden manure lands.
But cleanliness alone wont ensure that dairy products are safe, Lucey said.
Some states require that dairy farmers use antibiotics and routinely test their products for harmful bacteria.
For most people with a healthy immune system, drinking contaminated raw milk may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Does Pasteurization Make Milk Less Nutritious?
Proteins, fats, lactose, and other major components of milk generally stay intact during the pasteurization process.
Whey proteins tend to denature a bit during pasteurization.
The heat isnt enough to destroy key minerals in milk, such as calcium, riboflavin, and potassium.
Some of the vitamins are partly sensitive, but youre talking about maybe a 10% reduction in those.
Bringing raw milk to a boil before drinking it should kill most bacteria.
2022;150:e183.
doi:10.1017/S0950268822001649
Food and Drug Administration.Food safety and raw milk.
