Real Raw Milk Facts

Raw Milk Products Cause 83% of Dairy Outbreaks Since January 2010

Outbreaks, Illnesses and Recalls Linked to Raw (Unpasteurized) and Pasteurized Dairy Products, United States

January 2010 – November 2011

At total of 24 dairy-related outbreaks were documented since January 2010. Among these, 20 (83%) outbreaks and 198 illnesses were linked to raw dairy products including fluid raw milk and aged raw milk cheese. Two outbreaks from pasteurized milk caused 39 illnesses, and 2 outbreaks from queso fresco Mexican-style cheese outbreaks resulted in 67 illnesses. In addition, there were 29 recalls (no illnesses reported) from both raw and pasteurized dairy products.

Summary:

Outbreaks

• 20 raw dairy outbreaks with 198 illnesses, no deaths (18 fluid raw milk, 2 aged raw milk cheese)

• 2 pasteurized dairy outbreak with 39 illnesses, no deaths

• 2 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese outbreak with 67 illnesses, no deaths

• 3 sporadic illnesses and hospitalizations from illegal Mexican-style cheese, no deaths

Recalls (no illnesses reported)

• 13 raw dairy (6 fluid raw milk, 7 aged raw milk cheese)

• 7 queso fresco Mexican-style cheese

• 5 pasteurized (non-queso fresco) cheese

• 4 dairy product recalls due to inadequate pasteurization

Download the Table: Dairy_Outbreak_Table-2010-2011.pdf

Real Life Dangers of Raw Milk

Several families offered to share their stories on video to help raise awareness about the potential risks and negative effects on health from drinking contaminated raw milk.

Real Life Stories