Health experts are raising concerns over the promotion of raw milk as a health food by social media influencers. They warn that this trend is both misleading and potentially dangerous. In Australia, the sale of raw or unpasteurized milk for human consumption is illegal due to the risk of harmful pathogens.
Pasteurisation, a thermal treatment that eliminates bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria, is essential for ensuring milk safety. In August 2023, 21 individuals in Florida became ill from campylobacter and E. coli after consuming raw milk from a single dairy, resulting in seven hospitalizations. The Florida Department of Health issued a warning regarding unsatisfactory sanitation practices at the farm and the serious health risks associated with raw milk consumption.
Tragic incidents have underscored the dangers associated with raw milk. In 2014, a coroner determined that raw milk was the “likely” cause of a three-year-old’s death in Victoria, Australia. Although raw milk advocates contested this finding, it highlights the potential risks involved. The child had consumed raw milk sold as “bath milk,” often labeled as “not for human consumption,” which is available in health food stores and independent grocers across Australia.
Adam Strupek, a holistic health and wellness advocate based in Brisbane, purchases bath milk for his own use. He argues that while it is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption, drinking bath milk is permissible. Strupek believes that pasteurisation may eliminate not only harmful bacteria but also some nutrients. He asserts that pasteurisation destroys lactase, an enzyme that aids in milk digestion. However, Dr. Emily Denniss, a lecturer in public health nutrition at Deakin University, refutes this claim, stating that lactase is not present in either raw or pasteurised milk.
Dr. Denniss expresses alarm over the broader implications of diet trends propagated by wellness influencers on social media. She emphasizes the importance of scientific research and the potential health risks associated with misinformation. “The promotion of raw milk is part of a larger trend where individuals without proper expertise undermine established scientific knowledge,” she stated.
The concerns extend beyond individual health to public safety. Cathy McAuley, a food microbiologist with CSIRO, warns that diseases can be transmitted not only through cows but also from the environment where the milk is sourced. Contaminants from soil, water, and fecal matter can easily enter the milk supply, making pasteurisation a critical process.
Stuart Johnson, a board member of the Dairy Industry Association of Australia, has spoken with several dairy producers interested in selling bath milk. He acknowledges the economic pressures on farmers but cautions against pursuing this route. “Is it worth the risk of facing the mother of a child who fell ill, or worse?” he asked.
Steve McGuire, president of the WA Farmers Federation, highlighted the commitment of WA dairy farmers to producing milk that meets the highest quality and hygiene standards. He reaffirmed that, in accordance with Australian food safety regulations, milk is pasteurised to ensure that consumers can trust its safety.
The ongoing debate over the consumption of raw milk raises significant questions about health, safety, and the influence of social media on dietary choices. As misinformation persists, public health experts continue to advocate for informed decision-making based on scientific evidence.
