Larry K. Pickering, MD, Discusses Six Raw Milk Myths At Pediatrics Symposium

Infectious Diseases in Children Editorial Board member Larry K. Pickering, MD, discussed the 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany and provided an overview of foodborne illness during a lecture held in New York at the 24th Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium.

Pickering drew attention to emerging infections linked to raw milk in recent years, including Campylobacter, Listeria and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157. He also noted six myths associated with raw milk, including:

•Raw milk is healthier and more nutritious than pasteurized milk.

•Drinking raw milk can prevent or cure diseases such as asthma, allergies, heart disease or cancer.

•Milk is safe as long as it is labeled “organic.”

•Milk and raw milk products such as soft cheeses and yogurts are safe if they come from healthy animals.

•If animals are raised in sanitary conditions on humane farms, this ensures that their milk is safe.

•Drinking raw milk may not be safe, but no harm will come from eating products (cheeses, yogurts) made from raw milk.

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