Risks Associated with Unpasteurized Milk

No. Drinking unpasteurized milk (also called raw milk) can result in mild illnesses, long-lasting serious diseases, or even death. Disease-causing bacteria found in unpasteurized milk includes E. coli O157, salmonella and campylobacter. E. coli 0157 is the same bacteria that caused the outbreak in Walkerton, Ontario.

These bacteria can cause severe diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach cramps or abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, weakness and chills.

Yes. Certain groups such as young children, the elderly, people who are ill, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems are at increased risk of serious illness.

Yes. If someone becomes sick from drinking raw milk, this infection can be passed from person-to-person by hand-to-mouth contact. This fecal-oral spread from person-to-person happens especially when someone has diarrhea and is not washing their hands properly or maintaining good hygiene. Disease can also be spread to those who are caring for a person who is ill with diarrhea.

Pasteurization is a heating process. The minimal pasteurization requirement in Ontario is to heat the milk to 72 degrees Celsius for 16 seconds at a dairy processing plant. This process destroys disease-producing bacteria. Milk sold in grocery stores is pasteurized.

Anyone who shows symptoms should see their doctor immediately. About 10 per cent of people with E. coli 0157 develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure and death.

It is illegal to sell, offer to sell, deliver or distribute unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk should be reported to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food's complaint line at 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64391.