The Claim in Context

Social media influencers have made false claims that consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk is safe and offers more health benefits than pasteurized milk. The truth is, raw milk is milk that skipped an important safety process (pasteurization). Pasteurization quickly raises the temperature of milk to just below boiling. This process kills bacteria in the milk that could make you sick. Pasteurized milk is safer and contains all of the nutritional content like calcium, vitamin D, and protein your body needs. 

 

Key Facts

  • Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, or goats that has not undergone pasteurization—a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set period to kill harmful bacteria. 
  • Both raw and pasteurized milk contain the same amount of nutrients ( as well as the same proteins that can trigger allergic reactions and lactose intolerance in people with lactose sensitivities. Proponents of raw milk falsely claim it contains more nutrients and prevents these kinds of allergic reactions.
  • Raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which can lead to severe foodborne illnesses. 
  • Even following good safety practices can’t eliminate the risks of raw milk. Healthy animals can carry germs that contaminate milk, and these bacteria can grow and multiply quickly. Additionally, a negative test can’t guarantee that raw milk is free from harmful germs across multiple batches. 
  • Pasteurized milk is the safe, more practical choice. 

Evidence Snapshot

From 1998 through 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented 202 outbreaks linked to raw milk consumption, resulting in 2,645 people becoming ill and 228 people hospitalized. Additionally, a 2017 study found that unpasteurized dairy products cause 840 times more illnesses and 45 times more hospitalizations than pasteurized products. Advocates of raw milk often falsely claim it contains beneficial bacteria that promote gastrointestinal health. However, the bacteria present in raw milk are typically not probiotic and can include harmful pathogens.  

Why It Matters

Consuming raw milk poses a significant risk of foodborne illness, including E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. Choosing pasteurized milk provides the nutritional benefits of milk while minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens. Public health agencies strongly advise against the consumption of raw milk to prevent foodborne illnesses.  


Experts Say:

“Pasteurized milk provides all the nutritional benefits of milk while eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in young children. Raw milk, on the other hand, poses unnecessary health risks and has been linked to serious infections and hospitalizations.”


— Robert Frenck, MD, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics Chair of the Section on Infectious Diseases. 

 

The Dangers of Raw Milk

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Raw Milk Questions and Answers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

American Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Raw Milk Consumption

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Last Updated

03/20/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics