Raw milk is not considered safe to drink. It can contain harmful bacteria that may cause serious illness, even in healthy people. Most health authorities recommend avoiding raw milk and choosing pasteurized products instead.
Raw milk may carry germs like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and, in some cases, severe complications like kidney problems or hospitalization. Pasteurization helps eliminate these bacteria without significantly changing the nutritional value of milk.
Outbreaks linked to raw milk have been reported over many years, with higher risks for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Even milk from healthy animals and clean farms can still become contaminated, and good hygiene alone does not fully remove this risk.
If you are considering raw milk for perceived health benefits, it is important to know that there is no strong evidence that it offers advantages over pasteurized milk. For safe nutrition choices, speak with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider and avoid self-directed dietary changes that may increase health risks.