Physicians’ group calls for ban on raw milk – as it’s becoming increasingly popular in the US
As raw milk industry experiences record growth, experts say it might contain pathogens that can sicken people As raw milk becomes increasingly popular among Americans, there have been several recent disease outbreaks tied to the product, alarming public health officials. Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for a ban on sales of unpasteurized milk in the United States. Continue…
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently called for a nationwide ban on the sale of raw milk in the United States. Raw milk consumption has surged in recent years, driven by influencers touting its health benefits and a lack of trust in government regulators, particularly among health-conscious individuals. However, experts argue that raw milk may contain pathogens which can cause illness, and there is no scientific evidence to support claims that raw milk reduces lactose issues, allergies, or boosts immunity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health organizations contend that pasteurization, which involves heating milk to eliminate pathogens, is necessary to ensure public safety. While pasteurization may alter flavor and some perceived health benefits, advocates say it maintains the nutritional value of milk and prevents disease.
In the United States, pasteurization became standard practice in the late 19th century, coinciding with a significant reduction in infant mortality rates. The FDA banned interstate sales of raw milk in 1987, though it remains legal to sell it within individual states depending on local laws. Over the past decade, many states have relaxed milk regulations, leading to a 17.6% increase in raw milk sales in 2024, according to market research firm Circana.
Despite this growth, raw milk sales have been linked to numerous outbreaks of illness, including an E coli outbreak this year which affected over 100 people, including 11 hospitalized cases, mostly children under the age of three. Dr. Brian Dawes, an infectious disease specialist, supports a complete ban on raw milk, expressing concern about the increased vulnerability of children to infections from raw milk.
He emphasizes the importance of re-establishing public trust in the milk industry, which has maintained safety standards for over a century.
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