Health authorities are urging the public to refrain from consuming raw milk from a Pennsylvania farm after a New York resident fell ill with Brucellosis. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk does not undergo the process to kill germs and bacteria.

Brucellosis From Raw Milk

A New York resident fell ill with Brucellosis, and authorities have traced back the illness from raw milk produced by Miller’s Biodiversity Farm in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. As such, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania consumers are being warned against consuming raw milk as well as other dairy products from the company, which is now under quarantine.

According to New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal, there are so far no illnesses in New Jersey related to this incidence, and that it is actually illegal in New Jersey to sell raw milk or products because of the health risks that they carry.

“In general, unpasteurized milk can contain dangerous bacteria, so if you have consumed raw milk products and become ill, immediately seek medical care and inform your health care provider of the raw milk consumption,” said Elnahal.

Raw Milk

Some people consume raw milk because they believe that it has certain health benefits. On the contrary, consuming raw milk actually poses health risks because they may carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make a person very ill.

This is because compared to pasteurized milk products, raw milk does not undergo the processes to kill disease causing germs. As such, even raw milk from certified, organic, or local farms is still not guaranteed to be safe. In fact, from 2007 to 2016, there have been 144 outbreaks linked to raw milk in 32 states, with children younger than 5 years old being the most affected.

Furthermore, contrary to what some might believe, pasteurization does not remove the nutrients in the milk, so experts still recommend consuming pasteurized milk and other dairy products made from it.