The fascination with raw milk is sweeping through the internet, uniting influencers, savvy moms, and even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Despite governmental restrictions in about 20 states, the allure persists, even as medical experts caution of health hazards. Unpasteurized milk poses risks due to harmful bacteria, unlike pasteurized milk which undergoes treatments to eliminate potential pathogens. Last year, bird flu (H5N1) emerged as a new concern in dairy farming. By November 2024, it had impacted 505 herds across 15 states; this number has surged to 957 cases in 16 states, with the first human fatality reported in Louisiana. Still, advocates of raw milk remain unfazed. Kennedy declared in June 2024 that he “only drinks raw milk,” while influencers like Hannah Neeleman champion its consumption to their sizable audiences. Courtney Luna, a stay-at-home mom and author, shares her raw milk journey with over 200,000 followers, expressing skepticism towards conventional medical professionals. Kennedy’s health campaign, “Make America Healthy Again,” resonated with those eager for better health choices. Despite this rising trend, experts like dairy researcher John A. Lucey argue that raw milk has no advantages over pasteurized varieties. Raw milk is simply milk that has evaded the pasteurization process, which aims to neutralize harmful microorganisms through gentle heating. Proponents often suggest pasteurization removes vital nutrients and health-promoting bioactives. Yet, nutritionist Jamie Nadeau insists that while bioactive content minimally changes, any theoretically beneficial bacteria present in raw milk remain insufficiently potent for health benefits, with pasteurized options retaining vital nutrients like calcium and protein. Luna asserts that despite her faith in the processes behind her milk sourcing from Raw Farm USA, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, concerns persist: bird flu virus peaks in the mammary glands of infected cows. Lucey emphasizes that raw milk consumers must balance these risks carefully. Meanwhile, McAfee from Raw Farm USA continues to defend raw milk’s reputation, dismissing health officials’ alarm over recent bird flu impacts as exaggerated. Critically, Luna argues that if authorities genuinely prioritized health, they would eliminate cigarettes and harmful food additives. For her, educating the public via Kennedy’s health initiatives is crucial. Yet, as Lucey underscores, caution is paramount. “This isn’t about transforming milk into ultra-processed food, just a safe heating method to eliminate pathogens.”
Raw milk consumption is rising among influencers and celebrities like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regardless of health warnings about bacteria and recent bird flu concerns. As raw milk advocates, such as Courtney Luna, continue to promote its benefits, experts, like John A. Lucey, warn against the risks, emphasizing the importance of pasteurization for public health. As the bird flu situation develops, experts stress cautious consumption and highlight the minimal benefits of raw milk over pasteurized options.
Despite the allure and rising trend of raw milk consumption spurred on by influencers and public figures, experts continue to caution against its health risks. Bird flu adds a new layer of concern, vastly increasing the urgency in evaluating the safety of raw dairy products. While advocates believe in the potential benefits of raw milk, medical professionals are firm on the side of pasteurized dairy, emphasizing the importance of scientific consensus and public health safety.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
