AAP Policy Statement Against Consumption of Raw Milk Products by Pregnant Women and Children

Many people believe that raw and unpasteurized dairy products confer greater nutritional benefits than pasteurized products, despite the lack of evidence to support this claim. Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. demonstrate transmission of multiple pathogens from raw milk consumption, including Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Brucella and Escherichia coli 0157 (the pathogen associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome). Less frequently identified pathogens associated with raw milk consumption include Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium bovis. Infections related to ingestion of raw milk products have resulted in multiple outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. Infections in pregnant women have led to prematu…