Consumption of unpasteurized milk can be risky 07.31.25

July 31, 2025

Consumption of unpasteurized milk can be risky

MOBILE, Ala. — From the cow to your cup, the U.S. dairy industry follows many strict government regulations, including milk pasteurization, to ensure that milk is safe to drink.

Milkborne outbreaks were responsible for 25 percent of all disease outbreaks linked to infected food and contaminated water in the early 1900s. Currently, that number is less than 1 percent.

This huge improvement in the safety of milk and fluid milk products can be traced back to the Standard Milk Ordinance of 1924. Developed by the U.S. Public Health Service, the Standard Milk Ordinance called for all cities, counties, and states to follow the same set of regulations regarding milk safety. Alabama was the first state to adopt the ordinance, and the rest of the country quickly followed.

Perhaps the most important step in keeping milk safe is the process of pasteurization, which involves heating milk to a high enough temperature to kill harmful germs. Raw milk — or milk that is not pasteurized — is considered one of the riskiest foods, as it can carry a variety of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. People who get sick from raw milk can suffer a variety of consequences, ranging from diarrhea to vomiting to paralysis and even death.

“Despite these well-known and documented risks, a small number of Americans — less than 1 percent — still choose to drink raw milk,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Raw milk sales are prohibited in 20 states, including Alabama.” Consumption of unpasteurized milk can be harmful to pregnant women, children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

In addition to ensuring the safety and quality of milk and other dairy products, the Mobile County Health Department’s (MCHD) efforts also support broader nutritional programs that promote health in vulnerable populations. One such program is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — better known as WIC. Through WIC, eligible families may receive food benefits for each qualifying member. Participants also gain access to free nutritional education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals, all aimed at fostering healthier outcomes from pregnancy through early childhood.

MCHD’s Office of Nutrition Services manages the local WIC program. A monthly average of 10,690 participants received WIC food instruments during the Fiscal Year 2024. To qualify for WIC, a person must meet income guidelines, be a resident of Alabama, and have been seen by a health professional at the WIC clinic. For more information, visit https://mchd.org/wic or call 251-690-8829.

Additional information on WIC is available from the MCHD smartphone application. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.