The debate over raw milk consumption continues to be a contentious issue in many states, including Nevada, where the sale of unpasteurized milk remains illegal. Despite health warnings from officials, some consumers seek out raw milk, believing it offers superior nutritional benefits. However, health experts and regulatory bodies strongly caution against its consumption due to significant health risks.
Milk industry experts frequently address misconceptions about raw milk, emphasizing that raw milk is unhealthy and potentially lethal if consumed. This stance is echoed by the Southern Nevada Health District, which recently reported an increase in illegal raw milk sales in the area and reminded residents of the associated health risks, according to the Las Vegas Sun. In some cases, the raw milk contamination has led to legal action.
Raw milk is defined as milk taken directly from cows or goats without undergoing pasteurization. Pasteurization, a process named after a French microbiologist Louis Pasteur, uses heat to eliminate harmful bacteria naturally present in milk. While the udders of dairy animals are typically cleaned with iodine before milking, pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, streptococcus, and mycobacterium can still contaminate the milk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that raw milk may contain dangerous bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter, which can lead to severe illness or death. The FDA states that while most healthy individuals may recover from illnesses caused by raw milk consumption, some can develop chronic, severe, or life-threatening symptoms.
The past year has seen a number of pathogenic outbreaks connected to the consumption of raw milk, including a recent outbreak of E. coli in Washington state linked to raw milk and the largest Salmonella outbreak tied to raw milk in the last ten years that affected at least 165 people.
A study, conducted by Cambridge University between 1998 and 2018, revealed that out of 21,919 reported foodborne outbreaks and 423,595 outbreak-associated illnesses, 202 outbreaks and 2,645 illnesses were linked to unpasteurized milk. These cases resulted in 228 hospitalizations and three deaths. In comparison, pasteurized milk was responsible for nine outbreaks, 2,133 illnesses, 33 hospitalizations, and three deaths during the same period.
Another emerging concern is the H5N1 avian influenza A virus, which was detected in a herd of dairy cattle in March of this year. As of the most recent report, the virus had spread to 200 dairy herds across 14 states in the nation, including an outbreak in three California dairy herds. High levels of H5N1 were found in the raw milk of infected cows.
Despite these risks, some consumers continue to seek out raw milk, often traveling to neighboring states where its sale is legal. Proponents of raw milk claim it offers nutritional benefits comparable to breast milk, with valuable nutrients, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. They argue that pasteurization removes beneficial bacteria and enzymes that aid in digestion.
Raw milk advocates have pushed for legalization in more states, arguing that raw milk could serve as a natural, nutritional therapy that can help with common ailments. They also suggest that raw milk is easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
However, health officials and experts refute these claims, stating they are typically anecdotal and lack scientific backing. The FDA explicitly states that raw milk does not cure or treat asthma and allergies, is not superior in preventing osteoporosis, does not build the immune system, is not nutritionally superior to pasteurized milk, and does not aid in milk digestion for those with lactose intolerance.
In Nevada, and many other states, the sale of raw milk remains illegal, with products subject to confiscation and destruction when found. Repeated violations can lead to the revocation of health permits and other enforcement actions. While it’s not illegal to operate a raw milk dairy in Nevada, the licensing process is extremely challenging, requiring the establishment of a county milk commission and adherence to strict cleaning regulations.
A legislative attempt to legalize raw milk sales in Nevada was made in 2013. The bill, which proposed allowing the sale of raw milk certified by county milk commissions, passed both the state Assembly and Senate. However, it was vetoed by then-Governor Brian Sandoval, who cited significant public health risks and opposition from health authorities.
Commenting on this story, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Consuming raw milk has the potential to be dangerous, as evidenced by the many pathogenic outbreaks around the country. Those infections can be especially dangerous for children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems so I recommend that consumers only drink pasteurized milk to better protect themselves and their family.”
