why is raw milk bad

Raw milk is considered bad or unsafe primarily because it can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens that cause serious foodborne illnesses. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk has not been heated to kill dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Brucella, which can lead to severe health problems including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and in some cases life-threatening conditions. Certain groups such as infants, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at especially high risk from consuming raw milk. Raw milk can also harbor viruses and parasites, and outbreaks of illnesses linked to raw milk consumption have been documented repeatedly. Even with good hygiene and cold storage, contamination risks cannot be fully eliminated. Pasteurization is the established method to make milk safe while preserving its nutritional benefits. Therefore, health authorities strongly advise against drinking raw milk to prevent potentially severe diseases.