Raw Milk

Recently, there has been a surge in conversations around raw milk, with some influencers and online communities promoting it as a natural, nutrient-rich alternative to pasteurized milk. It’s easy to see why parents might be drawn to the idea of something more natural for their families, especially with so many wellness trends pushing the idea that less processing means better health. But, as with many trends, misinformation and differing opinions make it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Raw milk isn’t a new concept–in fact, it’s one of those debates that history has already settled. Before pasteurization, milk was a major source of deadly illnesses, especially in children. In the 1800s, public health experts recognized the need for safer milk, leading to the development of pasteurization– a simple heating process that dramatically reduces the risk of serious bacterial infections. While we’ve made tremendous advances in food safety since then, the risks of raw milk haven’t disappeared.

So why is raw milk making a comeback? Some people believe it’s more natural, more nutritious, or easier to digest. Others are skeptical of the dairy industry and want a more traditional, unprocessed approach to food. And then there are strong opinions–on both sides– about what’s best for our families.

To make an informed choice, it’s important to look beyond the claims and examine the facts– because when it comes to food safety, history has already taught us valuable lessons. Let’s take a closer look at what raw milk is, what’s behind its growing popularity, and answers to some of the most common questions that have popped up in the PedsDocTalk community.

What is Raw Milk, What Are the Risks, and How Does Pasteurization Help?

Raw milk is milk that skips pasteurization, meaning it has not gone through the heating process that kills harmful bacteria. Before pasteurization became standard, raw milk was a major source of deadly infections, particularly in children.

The risks of raw milk include:

• Serious bacterial infections: E.coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Salmonella can cause life-threatening illnesses, especially in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

• Outbreaks still happen today: The CDC has reported multiple illness outbreaks linked to raw milk just in the last few years.

• Recent concerns with H5N1 (avian flu): Scientists are studying its presence in U.S. dairy cattle, and pasteurization is key to reducing risk.

Pasteurization, developed by Louis Pasteur in the 1800s, changed that. By heating milk to a specific temperature and cooling it quickly, pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Importantly, it does this while still preserving key nutrients, including calcium, protein, and vitamins.

So, if pasteurization makes milk safer without significantly changing its nutrition, why are some people turning back on raw milk?

Common Claims About Raw Milk– What Does the Science Say?

Claim #1: Raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk

A common argument for raw milk is that pasteurization destroys essential nutrients. However, studies show that pasteurization has minimal impact on milk’s nutritional profile: 

• Calcium, protein, and fat remain unchanged

• Milk minerals are stable under pasteurization

• Vitamin losses are minimal. Some heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, decrease slightly, but milk is not a significant source of these vitamins (a cup or 240mL of milk only offers 5mg of vitamin C).

• Pasteurization does not remove the beneficial enzymes humans need. The natural bacteria in raw milk vary, and many are harmful rather than helpful.

The bottom line: Pasteurization makes milk safer while keeping its key nutrients intact.

Claim #2: Raw milk is easier to digest and cures lactose intolerance

Some believe raw milk aids digestion, particularly for those with lactose intolerance. However:

• Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, not pasteurization.

• Raw milk does not reliably contain enough lactase-producing bacteria to improve digestion.

• A randomized controlled pilot study shows no significant difference in lactose intolerance symptoms between raw and pasteurized milk.

The bottom line: Raw milk does not reduce lactose intolerance or improve digestion.

Claim #3: Raw milk strengthens the immune system and treats allergies and asthma

Some studies suggest children who consumed farm milk had lower rates of asthma and allergies. However: 

• While the study found a link, it does not prove that raw milk itself is the reason for this effect. Other unmeasured factors, like genetics, diet, and immune system differences, play a role and make the picture more complex.

• The potential immune benefits do not outweigh the well-known risks.

The bottom line: While there is some evidence, it remains weak, and this does not mean raw milk is safe or the recommended way to manage allergies.

Raw Milk Q&A: Answering Your Common Questions

With so much information circulating about raw milk, many parents have questions about its safety, legality, and how it compares to other unprocessed foods. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Are the risks of raw milk that significant?

Raw milk is often marketed as a “healthier” alternative, but how risky is it really? Studies show a clear link between raw milk availability and increased outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

A study found that between 2013 and 2018, there were 75 outbreaks and 675 illnesses linked to raw milk, with nearly half of those cases affecting children and teens under 19 years. Between 1998 and 2018, raw milk was linked to 202 outbreaks and over 2,600 illnesses, including multiple hospitalizations and several deaths. Additionally, states that allow raw milk sales in stores have 3.6 times more outbreaks than those with stricter regulations.

Why are children at higher risk of raw milk-related illnesses?

Children, particularly those under 5 years, are at the highest risk for severe complications from foodborne illnesses. Their immune systems are still developing, and their bodies have a harder time fighting off infections caused by bacteria commonly found in raw milk.

One of the most serious concerns is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can result from E.coli infections. HUS can lead to severe kidney damage, blood clotting disorders, and long-term health complications. A condition I have seen in my training, albeit not from milk, but a dire condition nonetheless.

Is raw milk legal?

Raw milk laws vary by state in the U.S.

• In some states, raw milk sales are fully legal and available in stores. Other states allow it only through direct farm sales. Some states prohibit raw milk sales entirely due to safety concerns.

Isn’t pasteurization just a modern “Big Dairy” invention?

No. Pasteurization was developed over 150 years ago as a public health measure–long before the modern dairy industry existed. It was introduced because milk-borne illnesses were causing deaths in children in the 1800s.

Pasteurization was not created to benefit dairy corporations– it was developed to prevent disease.

Can I boil raw milk at home to reduce the risk?

Some parents wonder if they can make raw milk safer by boiling it at home. While boiling can eliminate some of the harmful bacteria, it’s not the same as controlled pasteurization, which is designed to heat milk to a precise temperature for a specific time for safety.

• Boiling milk at home is inconsistent and may not eliminate all pathogens.

• Pasteurization is tested and regulated with consistent safety standards that home boiling can’t guarantee.

If raw milk comes from a “clean” or “trusted” farm, is it still risky?

Even farms with strict hygiene standards and healthy cows can produce milk contaminated with harmful bacteria. These pathogens come from contaminated surfaces, cow infections, and cross-contamination. No matter how “clean” a farm appears, raw milk can still carry dangerous bacteria.

How does raw milk compare to other unprocessed foods like raw honey or cold-pressed juices?

Many people wonder why raw milk is considered dangerous when other unprocessed foods, like raw honey or unpasteurized juices, are widely available. The key difference is the level of risk associated with each:

• Raw honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which pose a serious risk of botulism in infants under 1 year. However, in older children and adults, raw honey is generally safe.

• Unpasteurized juices (such as cold-pressed juices) can carry bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella, but outbreaks are less frequent than with raw milk. Pasteurized juices eliminate these risks without significantly affecting nutrient content.

Raw milk, on the other hand, has a well-documented history of causing severe bacterial infections and has been linked to more foodborne illness outbreaks.

Final Thoughts: What Should Parents Consider?

The raw milk conversation often pits “natural” against “safe,” but it’s important to recognize that safety measures like pasteurization don’t make milk less wholesome–they make it safer. Pasteurization was introduced as a public health breakthrough, not an industry-driven convenience, and has saved countless lives by preventing severe foodborne illnesses. 

When considering raw milk, it’s important to weigh the facts:

• Raw milk carries a higher risk of illness than pasteurized milk.

• Pasteurized milk provides the same essential nutrients without the risk of foodborne illness.

• The health claims about raw milk lack strong scientific evidence.

• The risk of severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, is well-documented.

At the end of the day, every family makes decisions based on what feels right for them. If you’re considering raw milk, as yourself: Do the potential benefits truly outweigh the known risks? Understanding the history and science behind pasteurization– along with the level of risk raw milk carries– allows parents to make informed choices that align with their values while keeping safety in mind.

On The Podcast

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This week, I welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to answer all these dental questions and more. Throughout our discussion, she encourages a balanced, judgement-free approach focusing on progress over perfection.

She joins me to discuss:

• The importance of early oral care and developing good habits

• How genetic factors and parents’ dental health affect children

• Tips on brushing, flossing, prolonged bottle use, and limiting sugar.

On YouTube

As a pediatrician and mom, I’m sharing my expert tips to help you balance screen time for your kids—healthy habits, clear boundaries, and family connection. I discuss:

• Understanding screen time

• Screen time under one and screen time over one

• Behavioral changes from screen time

• Screen time boundaries

• Timers and Routine

• Focus on quality content

• Involve the kids

• Managing meltdowns when screens end

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