How is raw milk produced?

How is raw milk produced?

Raw milk is milk from animals such as cows, goats and sheep that has not been pasteurized. The steps on a farm are generally these:

1. Animal care: the animals are fed and housed, and their udders are cleaned before milking.
2. Milking: done by hand or with a milking machine, usually twice a day for dairy cows.
3. Filtering: milk is passed through a filter or strainer to remove debris.
4. Cooling: it is chilled quickly in a refrigerated tank, because warm milk lets bacteria multiply fast.
5. Bottling and sale: it is filled into containers and sold, in places where this is allowed, with no heat treatment.

Pasteurized milk goes through the same early steps, then a heating step. Pasteurization is described by CDC as a process that removes disease-causing germs by heating milk to a high enough temperature for a set length of time.

What makes raw milk risky?

CDC says raw milk can carry germs such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella and Salmonella. FDA names Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter. CDC says good farm practices can reduce contamination but cannot guarantee safety from harmful germs. Even animals that look healthy can carry germs.

Who is most at risk?

Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness. FDA says Listeria infection in pregnancy can cause miscarriage or illness or death of the newborn, even if the mother does not feel sick.

Is raw milk legal?

Rules differ by country and, in the US, by state. Check local rules. Raw milk sold to consumers must meet whatever your area requires, and labels may carry warnings.

Is raw milk more nutritious?

CDC states that pasteurized milk provides the same nutritional benefits as raw milk without the risks. We do not repeat claims that raw milk is healthier.

If you drink raw milk anyway, keep it cold, use it quickly and ask your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.