Today is National Milk Day. On this occasion, the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health used social media to remind residents about the importance of consuming dairy safely. The Facebook post noted that while milk is nutrient-rich, drinking it raw can pose health risks.
Unpasteurized, or raw milk, can carry harmful bacteria. The Saint Louis County Department of Public Health noted that pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella cause hundreds of cases of foodborne illness each year. Pasteurization—a process that heats milk to a temperature that kills viruses, bacteria, and other microbes—effectively eliminates these risks. Health officials recommend consuming pasteurized milk to ensure safety.
For those who avoid dairy for dietary, ethical, or personal reasons, the health department notes that non-dairy milk alternatives are also safe options.
