Consumption of Unpasteurized (Raw) Milk and Milk Products by Pregnant People and Children: Policy Statement

Abstract

Sales of unpasteurized (raw) milk and milk products remain legal in at least 27 US states. Unpasteurized milk and milk products from cows, goats, and sheep continue to be a source of infections attributable to several virulent pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella species, Brucella species, and Escherichia coli O157. These infections can occur in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals, including older adults, infants, young children, and pregnant people and their fetuses, potentially resulting in life-threatening illness and fetal miscarriage. Pasteurization of milk products greatly reduces risk of illness. Efforts to limit the sale of unpasteurized milk products have been met with opposition from proponents of unpasteurized milk's alleged health benefits. These purported benefits have no evidence base and do not outweigh the risks of unpasteurized milk consumption. Substantial data suggest that pasteurized milk confers equivalent health benefits compared with unpasteurized milk, without the additional risk of infection. The purpose of this policy statement is to provide evidence for the risk of infection from unpasteurized milk consumption, along with the severe illness and infectious complications that occur, especially among pregnant people, infants, and children.