Raw milk is milk that comes straight from cow, goat or sheep. It is not pasteurized ( heated to kill the germs ).
Is it safe to drink raw milk ?
Raw milk is not safe. This is because it carries harmful bacteria and other germs. These bacteria include Salmonella, E coli, and Listeria. Anyone can get sick from drinking this type of milk or products made from it. The products include
- cheese
- yoghurt
- cream
- ice cream
- frozen yogurt
- pudding
Who is at risk of getting sick from raw milk ?
You are at high risk of getting sick if you fall in the following category.
- children
- elderly
- pregnant women
- people with weakened immune system such as HIV and cancer patients
People who get sick from drinking this milk exhibit symptoms such as
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- flu like symptoms such as fever,headache and body ache
Most healthy people recover and get well. However it can become long term or chronic and even result in death.
NOTE
Call your health care professional if
- anyone gets sick after drinking raw milk or its products
- a pregnant woman drinks raw milk or its products. The bacteria listeria which may be found in this milk can cause miscarriage , fetal death or death of the newborn.
Content Sources
Raw milk questions and answers. Center for disease control and prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.html. Accessed January 17, 2016
Drinking raw milk : Its not worth the risk. Food safety.gov. http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/raw_milk.html. Accessed January 17, 2016