Raw (Untreated) Milk
Each year, people become ill from drinking raw milk and eating foods made from raw dairy products. Unlike most of the milk, cheese, and dairy products sold in the United States, raw milk and raw dairy products have not been heat treated or pasteurized to kill germs.
- Got Milk? Make Sure It's Pasteurized
Drinking raw (untreated) milk or eating raw milk products is "like playing Russian roulette with your health," says John Sheehan, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Division of Dairy and Egg Safety. "We see a number of cases of foodborne illness every year related to the consumption of raw milk." US FDA. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Raw Milk and Cheeses: Health Risks are Still Black and White
Germs in These Products Cause Thousands of Illnesses, Illnesses Can Be Dangerous, Pasteurization Is Key to Making Dairy Products Safe, Playing It Safe. CDC. Attention: Non-MDH link
- FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Drinking Raw Milk
Following an outbreak in the state of Washington, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public against drinking raw milk because it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Raw milk is not treated or pasteurized to remove disease-causing bacteria. US FDA, 2005. Attention: Non-MDH link
- On The Safety of Raw Milk (with a word about pasteurization)
Powerpoint show from Cindy Leonard and John F. Sheehan, US FDA. Originally presented in 2005. Attention: Non-MDH link
Spotlight
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
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