In recent years, the popularity of raw milk, also known as unpasteurized milk, has been on the rise in the United States. However, health experts continue to highlight the risks associated with consuming raw milk and its products.

Raw milk and dairy products made from it, including cheese, are considered a health hazard. In fact, selling raw milk products directly to consumers is illegal in most states, including Michigan. This prohibition is due to the potential dangers posed by unpasteurized milk.

Pasteurization, a process introduced in the late 19th century, involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a certain period of time in order to kill bacteria. Unpasteurized milk, on the other hand, can contain harmful germs such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella, and salmonella. These germs can lead to serious illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers raw milk to be one of the riskiest foods to consume. The concern over raw milk consumption is heightened during the current bird flu, or avian influenza, outbreak in the United States. The virus has been affecting both birds and cows in the country since early 2024, raising concerns about its potential spread to humans, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The MDHHS issued a recent press release stating, "People can get ill from the same source and product of raw milk they drank previously – raw milk consumed from the same farm over time may not always be safe." The department stressed that raw milk can become contaminated in various ways, and while safety practices can minimize the risk of germs, they cannot eliminate it completely.

Earlier this year, several individuals fell ill with E. coli infections after consuming unpasteurized milk cheese from a nationally sold brand. The CDC, at the time, revealed that the actual number of sick people was likely higher than reported.

To prevent illnesses related to raw milk consumption, health experts strongly advise consumers to choose pasteurized products instead. It is also crucial to refrigerate milk and dairy products at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their safety and quality.

As the bird flu outbreak continues to affect both birds and cows in the United States, the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk and dairy products cannot be overlooked. Prioritizing food safety and opting for pasteurized alternatives is a responsible choice to safeguard one's health in these uncertain times.