Many people in rural areas like to sample raw milk, or eat products with raw milk in them, before it goes through the process of pasteurization.   However, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri State Milk Board are warning about the health dangers of ingesting raw milk.

Raw milk can be contaminated by E-coli bacteria, that can cause a condition called HUS…a life-threatening condition that can cause severe bloody diarrhea, injury to the kidneys, and kidney failure.   That can cause people to require kidney dialysis, and death occurs in less than 5% of those cases.

Raw milk can also carry listeria bacteria that put pregnant women and their unborn babies at risk…namely, miscarriage, fetal death or illness, or death of a newborn.  

Some believe that raw milk has greater nutritional value than pasteurized milk, and protection against tooth decay is enhanced with raw milk.   However, research has not shown any benefit of raw milk over pasteurized milk.  

Those who want to sell raw milk products at farmers markets or other retail outlets must obtain a permit from the Missouri State Milk Board, and comply with other regulations dealing with the proper bottling, capping, and labeling of the raw milk products.