Health authorities in New Mexico have issued a stark public warning regarding the consumption of raw dairy products following the tragic death of a newborn baby from a listeria infection. The infant's death is believed to be connected to the mother's consumption of unpasteurized milk during her pregnancy.
Investigation Points to Raw Milk as Probable Cause
In an official statement, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed that while investigators could not definitively identify the exact source of the bacterial infection, raw milk was considered the most likely cause. Specific details about the family or the exact product involved have not been released to the public, respecting privacy concerns.
Heightened Risks for Vulnerable Populations
State officials emphasised that this heartbreaking case underscores the significant dangers raw dairy products can pose to specific groups. Pregnant women, infants, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk of severe illness from pathogens sometimes found in unpasteurized milk.
Dr Chad Smelser, the state's deputy epidemiologist, provided clear guidance: "Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns." This advice aligns with long-standing recommendations from major public health bodies.
Public Debate Fuelled by High-Profile Advocacy
The warning comes amid increased public discussion about raw milk, partly driven by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time advocate for consuming unpasteurized dairy. Kennedy has previously stated he drinks only raw milk and has criticised federal and state restrictions on its sale, describing them as a "war on public health."
In 2024, he criticised agricultural departments for actions against raw milk producers and suggested regulatory changes under a potential future administration. However, public health agencies maintain a consistent stance on the associated risks.
Persistent Warnings from Health Authorities
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies consistently warn that raw milk can harbour dangerous pathogens like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, which can cause severe illness or death. New Mexico officials reiterated this guidance, stressing that pasteurisation remains the safest method to prevent life-threatening infections.
Historical data supports these concerns. Between 1998 and 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded over 200 outbreaks linked to unpasteurized milk, resulting in more than 2,600 illnesses and over 225 hospitalisations.
Recent Outbreaks and Historical Context
Last year, an E. coli outbreak in Florida affecting 21 people, including many young children who required hospitalisation, was traced back to raw milk consumption. This incident further highlights the ongoing public health threat.
The importance of pasteurisation is underscored by history. Before the 1924 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance established national safety standards, roughly a quarter of all foodborne illnesses in the U.S. were linked to dairy products. Today, thanks to widespread pasteurisation, dairy accounts for only about 1 per cent of such cases, according to the Center for Dairy Research.
The Science of Pasteurisation
The pasteurisation process, named after French microbiologist Louis Pasteur, involves heating milk to at least 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds before rapidly cooling it. This effectively kills harmful pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and campylobacter, without affecting the nutritional value of the milk. The technique was originally developed by Pasteur to preserve wine by killing microbes, allowing it to age without spoiling.
Health experts have cautioned for decades that consuming raw milk can lead to illnesses ranging from mild infections to severe, life-threatening diseases. The recent tragedy in New Mexico serves as a sombre reminder of these persistent warnings and the critical importance of food safety practices, especially for those most vulnerable.
