Is raw milk good for you in the UK NHS? Unpacking the Official Health Advice

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), raw or unpasteurised milk may contain harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. This contrasts with the perception held by some people that raw milk offers superior health benefits. So, is raw milk good for you in the UK NHS context, and what are the real risks involved?

Quick Summary

The UK's Food Standards Agency advises against consuming raw milk, especially for vulnerable individuals, due to serious food poisoning risks from harmful bacteria. Scientific evidence doesn't support claims of superior health benefits over pasteurised milk, which remains the safer option.

Key Points

NHS and FSA Advise Against Raw Milk: Official UK health bodies recommend avoiding raw, unpasteurised milk, especially for vulnerable individuals.
High Risk of Food Poisoning: Raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness.
Limited Nutritional Difference: Claims that raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurised milk are not supported by scientific evidence, with key nutrients being largely unaffected by heat treatment.
Restricted Sales in the UK: Raw milk sales are banned in Scotland and heavily restricted in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where it must be bought directly from licensed producers.
Safety for Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk and should never consume raw milk.
Health Warning Labels Required: In areas where it is legal, raw milk must be sold with a health warning label informing consumers that the product has not been heat-treated and may contain harmful organisms.

Official UK Advice: Raw Milk is NOT Recommended

For anyone asking, "Is raw milk good for you in the UK NHS?", the answer is a clear no, particularly for vulnerable groups. The UK National Health Service (NHS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) consistently advise against the consumption of raw, or unpasteurised, milk. The primary reason is the risk of food poisoning caused by harmful bacteria that are killed during the pasteurisation process. These public health warnings are designed to protect the general public, with specific emphasis on those most at risk from severe illness.

The Dangers of Unpasteurised Milk

Unlike pasteurised milk, raw milk is not heat-treated to eliminate pathogens. While producers follow hygiene standards, contamination risks from bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter remain. These can cause severe food poisoning, and in vulnerable individuals like infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be particularly serious or even life-threatening.

Harmful Bacteria in Raw Milk and Risk to Vulnerable Groups:

E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter: These bacteria are significant risks in raw milk.
Vulnerable Individuals: Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness from these pathogens. Listeria poses a specific risk to pregnant women.

Unsubstantiated Claims vs. Scientific Fact

Proponents claim raw milk offers health benefits, but these are not scientifically supported. Nutritional differences are minimal, with key nutrients unaffected by pasteurisation. Raw milk is not proven to be easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. While some studies observed lower allergy rates in farm children consuming raw milk, environmental factors are likely more significant than the milk itself. The FSA prioritises the risk of infection.

The UK Legal Landscape for Raw Milk Sales

UK law regulates raw milk sales to manage public health risks. Scotland bans sales completely. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland allow sales only directly from licensed farms (farm gates, vending machines, farm cafés), farmers' markets, or through milk rounds. Selling in supermarkets or other shops is illegal. All legally sold raw milk must display a health warning label.

Comparison: Raw vs. Pasteurised Milk


Feature	Raw Milk (Unpasteurised)	Pasteurised Milk
Processing	Unheated; from cow to consumer.	Heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria.
Safety	High risk of dangerous pathogens.	Safe for general consumption.
Vulnerable Groups	Strongly advised against.	Safe for all groups.
Nutritional Content	Claims of superiority largely unsubstantiated; similar to pasteurised.	Negligible difference in core nutrients.
Digestibility	No scientific evidence of easier digestion.	Contains lactose; affects intolerant individuals.
Availability	Very restricted in England, Wales, NI; banned in Scotland.	Widely available across the UK.

Conclusion

Despite claims by some, the NHS and FSA advise against raw milk due to serious food poisoning risks. Scientific evidence does not support claims of superior health benefits compared to pasteurised milk. Pasteurised milk remains the safer choice, especially for vulnerable individuals. Those considering raw milk must understand the risks and abide by strict UK regulations. For more information, consult the Food Standards Agency website.

Food Standards Agency: Raw drinking milk guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

The NHS and Food Standards Agency (FSA) advise against raw milk because it has not been pasteurised and can therefore contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria that cause severe food poisoning.

No, scientific evidence shows that there is no significant difference in the overall nutritional value between raw and pasteurised milk. Any minor changes to heat-sensitive vitamins are not substantial.

The sale of raw milk is banned in Scotland. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it can only be bought directly from a registered producer, such as at a farm gate, farmers' market, or via a delivery round.

The FSA specifically warns vulnerable individuals to avoid raw milk, including infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

There is no credible scientific evidence proving that raw milk protects against allergies. While some studies observed lower allergy rates in farm children who drank raw milk, other environmental factors are likely more significant.

Organic milk refers to how the milk is produced, while raw milk refers to the lack of pasteurisation. Organic milk is still pasteurised for safety, whereas raw milk is unprocessed. It is possible for milk to be both organic and raw, but it is the raw aspect that carries the health risks.

Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious and life-threatening conditions like kidney failure or paralysis.