Raw Milk is sometimes mentioned as a better option than the pasteurized milk we buy in stores.
It is said to taste better and have more vitamins. It is usually obtained
directly from the farm, or sold in dairy store outlets. In many states farmers can have their herd certified. Certification
generally indicates that the herd meets certain standards of care and is free of undulant fever. However, certification does not
guarantee that milk is disease free. Other contaminants can enter the milk including Salmonella and potentially deadly bacteria such as
E. coli. Even healthy cows can occasionally shed E. coli and salmonella is a danger whenever dirt is present.
Children are at particular risk because the diarrhea caused by these organisms can rapidly lead to severe dehydration.
ProMed-mail, a service of the International Society for Infectious Diseases recently discussed the occurrence of 18 cases of
E. coli 0157 resulting from the ingestion of raw milk from an uncertified dairy in Washington State. 3 of the victims were children
who became critically ill and were hospitalized. Two adults were also hospitalized. The farm supplying the milk was not certified
but was able to sell milk to families who purchased a "share" of the herd.
ProMed's moderator made the following statement about this incident and raw milk in general:
"Fortunately, despite significant morbidity (illness), there were no deaths in this
cluster. Obtaining a license to sell raw milk may legitimize this cottage
industry but does not remove the risk of infection. "Certified" unpasteurized milk from a "licensed" dairy remains inherently unsafe. It is
certified to be unpasteurized, not to be safe."
Outbreaks such as the one mentioned here are seen periodically and show that there is significant health risk with the consumption
of raw milk. It is true that pasteurization destroys some of the vitamins present in raw milk, but those vitamins are easily obtained
in other parts of the diet. Additionally, in the USA, milk is fortified with
vitamin A and D and for those not taking a vitamin supplement, serves as the major source of Vitamin D which is essential for the prevention
of rickets and osteoporosis, especially for those living in the northern latitudes.
In general, the potential health risks of raw milk, particularly in children, far outweigh any benefits.
