Raw Milk Danger: Newborn Dies in New Mexico

A recent tragedy in New Mexico, where a newborn died after its mother drank infected raw milk, underscores the severe risks associated with unpasteurized dairy. Raw milk can harbor dangerous bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, posing a particular threat to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Despite these dangers, a vogue for raw milk has emerged among health-conscious individuals, promoted by social media influencers and public figures. These proponents claim raw milk offers superior health benefits, such as preserved vitamins and probiotics, while critics and mainstream science dispute these assertions, emphasizing that heat treatment through pasteurization is essential for public safety.

Historically, pasteurization, developed in the 1860s, drastically reduced milk-borne illnesses and deaths, including bovine tuberculosis. In the UK, raw milk sales are illegal in shops and cafés, with sales occurring directly from farms. However, the demand is high, leading to shortages and public disputes over access, indicating the trend's persistence.

Health professionals and organizations, including the Royal College of Gynaecologists, strongly advise pregnant women to consume only pasteurized or UHT milk, citing the severe consequences of infections like Listeriosis. Safer alternatives for boosting immunity and gut health include recognized supplements like vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics.