New Mexico Issues Raw Dairy Warning After Infant Death from Listeria
New Mexico health officials have issued a warning against consuming raw dairy products following the death of a newborn baby from a listeria infection.
Incident Details
Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health believe the infection was likely contracted after the baby's mother consumed unpasteurized milk during pregnancy.
While the exact source of listeria cannot be definitively pinpointed, the department stated that the incident highlights the significant risks raw dairy poses to pregnant women, young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health Recommendations and Risks
Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, advised that pregnant women should only consume pasteurized milk to prevent illnesses and fatalities in newborns.
Pasteurization involves heating milk to eliminate germs.
Listeria is among several disease-causing germs found in unpasteurized milk. This bacteria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or fatal infections in newborns, as well as severe infections and death in immunocompromised individuals. Other pathogens potentially present in raw milk include bird flu, brucella, tuberculosis, salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium, and E. coli.
Regulatory and Advocacy Context
Federal health officials have consistently cautioned against raw milk due to health risks, with interstate sales banned since 1987.
Despite these warnings, raw milk has seen increased popularity in recent years.
Former Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously expressed support for unpasteurized dairy. Since assuming his role, Kennedy has largely avoided the topic, though the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" report in September, under Kennedy's leadership, included plans to remove barriers for small-dairy farmers. This move, which Nestle described as a 'big win' for companies selling whole or raw milk products, has encouraged some raw milk advocates.