🔍
Milk based drinks

Are there any potential health risks associated with consuming Sana?

Quick answer

Sana is a Romanian fermented milk. Authentic sana is made from raw whole milk, and the CDC says raw milk can carry germs such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk. Milk allergy and lactose intolerance also matter.

Free download

Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.

We use your email only for this download and, if you tick the box, to tell you about the pack. No spam. We do not sell it. Delete it any time: contact@drinkstype.com. Privacy policy

Thank you

Your chart is ready

Download the PDF

We use your email only for this download.
In this article
  1. What is sana?
  2. What is the main risk?
  3. Germs linked to raw milk
  4. Who is most at risk?
  5. Other things to consider
  6. How to choose and handle it
  7. When to see a doctor

What is sana?

Sana is a Romanian fermented milk product, similar to yogurt but sweeter, thicker and denser, with at least 3.6 percent fat according to Yogurt at Home. This page is general information, not medical advice.

What is the main risk?

The same source says authentic sana is made from fresh raw whole milk that has not been boiled or heat-treated. The CDC states that raw milk is not pasteurized and can cause foodborne illness, and good farm practices can reduce contamination but cannot guarantee safety.

Germs linked to raw milk

  • Campylobacter
  • Cryptosporidium
  • E. coli
  • Listeria
  • Brucella
  • Salmonella

Who is most at risk?

The CDC lists children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems as being at higher risk of serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting, and in some cases serious complications.

Other things to consider

  • Milk allergy: avoid sana if you have a milk allergy.
  • Lactose intolerance: fermented milk may still cause symptoms. Test a small amount, or ask a doctor.
  • Fat and calories: sana is a full-fat product, so keep servings moderate if you watch fat intake.

How to choose and handle it

  • Look for products made from pasteurized milk and read the label.
  • Keep it in the fridge and follow the use-by date.
  • If you make it at home, consider using pasteurized milk and good hygiene.
  • Do not give raw-milk products to babies, young children or pregnant people.

When to see a doctor

If you have severe diarrhea, fever or vomiting after eating a dairy product, seek medical advice.

People also ask

Is sana safe to drink?

Check the label to see whether it is made from pasteurized milk. Raw-milk versions carry the risks the CDC describes.

Can pregnant women have sana?

The CDC lists pregnant women as higher risk from raw milk, so avoid raw-milk sana and ask your doctor.

Is sana lactose-free?

No. It is a milk product, so check with a doctor if you are lactose intolerant.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. Yogurt at Home: Fermented milk products, Sana (Romania), read 6 Nov 2026
  2. CDC: Raw milk, read 6 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Nov 13, 2025 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

What would help you most next?

One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.

More in Milk based drinks

All Milk based drinks ›
Milk based drinks

How is baked milk made?

How do you make baked milk? Following Tasting Table’s description: Bake or simmer. Heat milk in the oven or on the stove at low…

By Drinks Type Editorial Team · Updated Nov 2026