Is it unhealthy to drink unpasteurized milk?

November 22, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1998 through 2018, over 200 outbreaks linked to raw milk caused thousands of illnesses and hundreds of hospitalizations. This demonstrates why it is unhealthy to drink unpasteurized milk and highlights the serious health risks.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the health risks of consuming raw, unpasteurized milk, focusing on dangerous bacteria and potential for severe foodborne illness. It contrasts raw milk with pasteurized milk, addresses common myths, and explains why health agencies advise against consumption.

Key Points

Significant Health Risk: Consuming unpasteurized milk can lead to severe foodborne illness due to harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
No Proven Nutritional Advantage: Scientific evidence does not support claims that raw milk is more nutritious or healthier than pasteurized milk; pasteurization does not significantly affect nutrient levels.
High-Risk Populations: Pregnant women, children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at a much higher risk of serious, even life-threatening, infections from raw milk.
Pasteurization Kills Pathogens: Developed by Louis Pasteur, the pasteurization process effectively eliminates dangerous disease-causing microorganisms without compromising milk's nutritional quality.
Risk Factors and Contamination: Raw milk can become contaminated at various points, from animal feces and milking equipment to handling, and no level of farm hygiene or testing can guarantee its safety.
Common Myths Debunked: Raw milk does not cure allergies, protect against asthma, or aid lactose intolerance any more than pasteurized milk.

The Undeniable Dangers of Unpasteurized Milk

Public health organizations like the CDC and FDA warn against consuming unpasteurized milk due to significant health risks. Raw milk, which is not heated to eliminate harmful germs, can endanger anyone, especially vulnerable groups.

Harmful Pathogens Found in Raw Milk

Raw milk can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria during the milking process. These pathogens can cause severe illness, including Escherichia coli (which can lead to HUS), Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes (especially risky for pregnant women and newborns), Campylobacter, and Brucella.

Debunking the Myths of Raw Milk

Scientific evidence does not support claims that raw milk is nutritionally superior or more beneficial than pasteurized milk. Pasteurization, which kills harmful germs, does not significantly alter milk's nutritional value.


Raw Milk Misconceptions vs. Scientific Facts	Claim	Raw Milk Myth	Scientific Fact
Nutritional Value	Raw milk is more nutrient-dense; pasteurization destroys vitamins and minerals.	Pasteurization minimally affects nutritional content. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are largely unaffected.
Lactose Intolerance	Raw milk contains enzymes that aid digestion, making it better for those with lactose intolerance.	Raw milk has the same amount of lactose as pasteurized milk. No evidence supports it helping lactose intolerance.
Probiotics	Raw milk is a source of beneficial probiotics.	While raw milk contains bacteria, they are not regulated probiotics and may include harmful pathogens. Get probiotics safely from fermented dairy like yogurt.
Allergies/Asthma	Raw milk can prevent or cure allergies and asthma.	There is no scientific proof. Some studies link rural life to lower allergy rates, but this is complex and not proven to be caused by raw milk.

The Pasteurization Process and Its Importance

Pasteurization is a crucial public health measure that has prevented many milk-borne illnesses. It involves heating milk to kill pathogens without significant effects on flavor or nutrition. While farm cleanliness is important, it cannot entirely eliminate contamination risk in raw milk. Testing cannot guarantee safety as low bacteria levels may be undetectable but still multiply, and cross-contamination remains a risk. Even healthy animals can carry germs.

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain individuals face a significantly higher risk of severe illness from raw milk. This includes pregnant women (risk of Listeria), children and infants (susceptible to serious illnesses like HUS), older adults, and immunocompromised individuals (vulnerable to serious infections).

The Bottom Line: Prioritizing Health

Choosing unpasteurized milk carries significant, scientifically proven dangers that outweigh unproven benefits. The risk of severe foodborne illness from bacteria is a major concern. Pasteurized milk offers a safe and nutritious alternative.

What to Consider for Safe Dairy Consumption

For safe dairy consumption, always check labels for 'pasteurized'. Store milk properly refrigerated below 40°F (4°C). Health organizations recommend pasteurized dairy, especially for at-risk groups.

Conclusion Drinking unpasteurized milk is a preventable health risk. Despite farming improvements, contamination cannot be entirely eliminated. Pasteurized milk provides the same essential nutrients as raw milk without the threat of dangerous pathogens. Choosing pasteurized milk allows you to enjoy dairy's benefits while protecting against potentially devastating foodborne illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary danger is exposure to harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause severe foodborne illnesses, which can lead to serious health complications or even death.

No, pasteurization does not significantly reduce milk's nutritional value. The process has a minimal impact on the levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins.

Yes, even raw milk from a farm with very high hygiene standards can contain harmful bacteria. Contamination can occur in unpredictable ways, and low levels of bacteria may not be detected by routine testing but can still make someone ill.

No, raw milk is not safe for children. Children, especially those under five, are at a high risk for developing severe illnesses, including potentially fatal kidney failure from E. coli infections.

Pasteurized and unpasteurized milk are nutritionally comparable. Pasteurized milk offers the same essential nutrients, such as calcium and protein, without the risk of dangerous bacterial contamination.

Pregnant women are especially vulnerable due to the risk of Listeria infection. This can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in the newborn.

No, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that raw milk can cure or prevent allergies, asthma, or other conditions. These are unproven health myths not backed by research.