11/2014, 20.05.2014
Children, pregnant women, elderly and sick persons should refrain from consuming raw milk and raw milk products
Especially in the summer months, holidaymakers are fond of buying fresh milk directly from farmers. In addition, farms with cows and milk tasting are popular excursion destinations for school and kindergarten groups. However, the fact that consuming raw milk can lead to illness is evidently not sufficiently understood as shown by reports on outbreaks of disease received by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) every year. "Raw milk from the farm should always be boiled prior to consumption, because it may be contaminated with pathogens such as campylobacter or EHEC", explains Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel, President of the BfR. Children, pregnant women, elderly and sick people in particular should refrain from consuming raw milk and raw milk products. This recommendation also applies to school and other groups of children visiting farms.
Every year, the BfR receives reports on outbreaks of disease caused by the consumption of raw milk on farms or during holidays in the countryside. Most frequently, this leads to infections with campylobacter which usually manifest themselves as diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain. Less frequently, EHEC infections following farm visits have been reported. However, EHEC infections are often much more severe. Notably in small children, EHEC infections can lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) which can in term cause lasting kidney damage.
Both campylobacter and EHEC bacteria are found, for example, in the intestine of cattle and are excreted with the faeces. For this reason, the pathogens can get into the milk during the milking process. In addition, other pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and the Q fever pathogen can be contained in raw milk. Through sufficient heating of the milk, for example through pasteurisation, ultra heat treatment or boiling, existing pathogens are killed off, however.
To ensure protection against infections, the sale of raw milk is generally banned in Germany. One exception to this rule is the sale of “milk from the farm”: farmers who offer “milk from the farm” do not have to comply with special hygienic requirements. However, at point of sale, a clear notice must be displayed saying “raw milk - boil before consumption”.
Another exception is the sale of so-called “certified raw milk”. This is packed raw milk, available in retail stores, from specially controlled farms. Certified raw milk may be consumed raw due to the special hygienic regulations and controls in place. However, it cannot be excluded that even certified raw milk contains pathogens that can cause infections in especially sensitive groups of persons.
The packaging of certified milk contains a note making it compulsory to store the milk at a maximum of 8°C. In addition, the term “raw milk” and the use-by date must appear on the packaging. The use-by date specifies the date by which especially perishable goods should be consumed. For certified raw milk the rule applies that the use-by date must not exceed 96 hours from the time of milking. Consumers must observe the storage instructions under all circ*mstances. If intended for risk groups, even certified milk must be boiled before consumption.
Raw milk sold from the farm and certified raw milk must not be sold in communal catering facilities such as canteens and hospital kitchens.
About the BfR
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientific institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.
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FAQs
"Raw milk from the farm should always be boiled prior to consumption, because it may be contaminated with pathogens such as campylobacter or EHEC", explains Prof. Dr.
Does boiling raw milk make it safe? ›
Thus, you don't have to boil milk for safety reasons unless it's raw, unpasteurized milk. In that case, bringing it to a boil or near a boil will significantly reduce most bacteria levels sufficiently ( 1 ). People often boil milk when they use it in cooking. You can boil raw milk to kill any harmful bacteria.
What are the odds of getting sick from raw milk? ›
If you have a 0.00011 percent chance of getting sick from drinking pasteurized milk, and a 9.4 times greater risk of getting sick from drinking unpasteurized milk, we're still talking about a miniscule risk of 0.00106% (one one-thousandth of a percent).
Is raw milk good for the immune system? ›
Does raw milk strengthen the immune system? Multiple studies have shown that raw milk consumption is correlated with improved immune system function. Raw milk consumption has been correlated with reduced risk of respiratory infections and fevers, as well as reduced risk of asthma and allergies.
Does raw milk destroy pathogenic bacteria? ›
Raw milk DOES NOT kill dangerous pathogens by itself. Raw milk marketed for pets and animals IS NOT safe for people to drink. Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
Can you heat raw milk to make it safe? ›
Bringing unpasteurized milk to a boil will make it less nutritious, but it can also kill the bacteria that could make you seriously ill, so the tradeoff is probably worth it.
How to make raw milk safe to drink? ›
Heat the milk to 63°C (150°F) for at least 30 minutes or 72°C (162°F) for at least 15 seconds. If the temperature falls lower than the one you're using, you have to start timing again.
What bacterial infections can you get from raw milk? ›
What kinds of harmful germs can raw milk contain? Raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia, Brucella,Coxiella and Listeria.
How common is E coli in raw milk? ›
coli O157:H7 and isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using the agar disc diffusion method. Out of 380 raw milk samples examined, 129 (33.9%) and 11 (2.9%) were contaminated with E. coli and E. coli O157:H7, respectively.
Why is everyone drinking raw milk? ›
One of the most important reasons people may be drawn to drinking raw milk: They're often buying it from a farmer they know and trust, says Martin, far removed from the big, industrial system that makes the processed food in most supermarkets, including pasteurized milk.
Many digestive issues are caused by inflammation and in order to fully heal, you have to eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods like bone broth, probiotic foods, and healthy fats. The probiotics found in raw milk also release anti-inflammatory chemicals and help you digest your food.
Is raw milk better for your gut? ›
There are no beneficial bacteria in raw milk for gastrointestinal health. Bacteria found in raw milk are not probiotic.
What are the healing properties of raw milk? ›
In conclusion, raw milk is a SUPERFOOD! It has a plethora of health benefits to offer, such as improving digestion, nourishing your body with a variety of important vitamins and minerals, boosting your immune health, hydrating your body, and being a better option for those with dairy sensitivities.
During what milk is heated to destroy harmful bacteria? ›
This process was named “pasteurization” after its brilliant designer. Pasteurization involves heating liquids at high temperatures for short amounts of time. Pasteurization kills harmful microbes in milk without affecting the taste or nutritional value (sterilization= all bacteria are destroyed).
Can you boil bacteria out of milk? ›
In addition, other pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and the Q fever pathogen can be contained in raw milk. Through sufficient heating of the milk, for example through pasteurisation, ultra heat treatment or boiling, existing pathogens are killed off, however.
What to do if you get sick from raw milk? ›
You should see a healthcare provider promptly if you become ill after consuming a raw milk product — especially if you're pregnant.
Is it safe to cook with raw milk? ›
Risk. Drinking or eating products made from raw milk can expose people to germs such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella.
What happens if you boil spoiled milk? ›
Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that causes changes in taste, smell, and texture. Drinking it may make you sick, but cooking with it won't, as long as it's just a little off. Using your slightly spoiled milk in innovative ways can also help you reduce food waste.
Is it safe to boil milk for hot chocolate? ›
Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over a medium heat. Be sure not to boil it. If you're using a thermometer, aim for 65-70°C. Add the Chocolate: Once the milk is warm, start adding the chopped chocolate a bit at a time, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the milk.
What happens when you boil human milk? ›
Boiling, in addition, destroys lipase and reduces the effect of immunoglobulin A and secretory immunoglobulin A. The nutrient value of human milk is essentially unchanged, but the immunological properties are reduced by various storage techniques.
