Source: Fox News
Summary
A newborn baby in New Mexico died from a Listeria infection likely caused by the mother drinking raw milk during pregnancy. The New Mexico Department of Health issued a warning urging people to avoid consuming raw dairy products. Investigators believe the mother’s drinking of unpasteurized milk during pregnancy was the most likely source of the infection. Raw milk has been linked to outbreaks of foodborne illness, including Listeria, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that certain groups of people, including children under the age of 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, have a higher risk of serious illness from foodborne illness.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
The recommendation to avoid raw dairy products during pregnancy is nothing new. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the interstate sale of raw milk for decades. Yet, the popularity of raw milk persists, particularly among those who advocate for its health benefits. The reality is that raw milk can pose serious risks to pregnant women, young children, and others with weakened immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has consistently warned about the dangers of raw milk, citing outbreaks of foodborne illness and the risk of serious illness and death. Despite this, some individuals continue to consume raw milk, often citing its supposed health benefits.
This tragic case in New Mexico serves as a reminder of the importance of pasteurization in ensuring the safety of dairy products. As the New Mexico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have emphasized, choosing pasteurized dairy products is crucial for reducing the risk of serious foodborne illness.
This is not the first time raw milk has been linked to an outbreak of foodborne illness. In fact, last August, an outbreak of E. coli and Campylobacter linked to raw milk from a Florida farm sickened 21 people, including six children. The reality is that raw milk is not a safe or healthy choice for anyone, especially during pregnancy.
Original Observation: The debate over raw milk is a classic example of the ongoing struggle between public health officials and advocates of alternative health practices.
