raw milk?

SAMEEKA PRABATH – Over the past decade, there has been a surge in the glamorization of “real foods” This emphasis of consuming unprocessed foods has been associated with a healthier lifestyle. While this can be true, it cannot be generalized with all foods. Raw milk has gained significant traction recently. However, the idea of drinking milk straight from the source may seem aspirational, it may not be as great as portrayed. 

Raw milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurization, a practice introduced in the early 1900s. It involves heating up the milk to increase the product’s shelf life and kill harmful bacteria, like E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. The process has been credited to preventing milk borne illnesses over the years. 

Advocates of raw milk believe that it contains immunity boosters and nutrients that are lost during the pasteurization process. The “raw milk renaissance” has received both support and backlash from consumers, sparking an important conversation on food policy. 

Many individuals who choose to consume raw milk do it as a means of supporting local farmers. Stemming from the outrage over cruel livestock treatment in the dairy industry, raw milk has become a way for people to return to consuming products while supporting animal rights. Unpasteurized milk has become a way to connect with the source of food products, giving people a sense of control over what they consume.

In 2023, many states started to legalize raw milk in support of local farmers. Currently, over two dozen states have legalized the sale of raw milk, with more set to follow. It is a risky yet growing market with the potential of changing the dairy industry. Farmers have been struggling to compete with the growing popularity of plant-based milk. Raw milk is a way for the industry to retain environmentally conscious customers. 

However, public health experts warn against the consumption of raw milk. Studies have found that unpasteurized milk increases the risk of contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. Additionally, raw milk has been linked to kidney failure, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and even miscarriages in pregnant women. Raw milk is notably more susceptible to contamination of germs from animals as well as insects in the farm. Standard tests do not always detect this contamination, making it impossible to guarantee its safety. It is also important to note that modern developments have enhanced the nutritional value of many food products. Fortified milk, for example, can provide lost nutrients, filling in any gaps the pasteurization process may have caused. This solution provides both the safety and nutrition that customers want from their milk.

The debate surrounding raw milk represents a complex intersection between the health and food industry. The issue is multifaceted but it is clear that public health experts oppose the consumption of unpasteurized dairy. 

If you are trying this trend, it is important to be educated about potential consequences. Be sure to check state regulations, sanitization test results and read any warning signs. It is always important to store raw milk properly to prevent bacteria growth. At-risk populations, like elderly and pregnant people, are strongly advised to avoid unpasteurized milk.

Copy Editor – Yeongseo Son

Photography Source – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a27079365/oat-milk-nutrition/