Daijiworld Media Network – Santa Fe
Santa Fe, Feb 5: Health authorities in the US state of New Mexico have issued a strong warning against the consumption of raw dairy products after a newborn baby died from a listeria infection, believed to have been contracted due to the mother consuming unpasteurised milk during pregnancy.
In a statement, the New Mexico Department of Health said officials were unable to determine the exact source of the infection, but indicated that the mother is believed to have consumed raw milk while pregnant, which may have led to the fatal illness in the newborn.
“The tragic death underscores the serious risks raw dairy poses to pregnant women, young children, elderly residents and individuals with weakened immune systems,” the department said.
Dr Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, stressed that pregnant women should strictly consume only pasteurised milk to prevent life-threatening infections in newborns.
“Pasteurisation kills harmful germs that can cause severe illness and death,” Smelser said.
Listeria is among several disease-causing bacteria that can be present in unpasteurised milk. According to health officials, listeria infections can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or fatal infections in newborn babies, while also posing a serious risk to people with compromised immune systems.
The health department further warned that raw milk consumption can expose people to a range of pathogens, including bird flu, brucellosis, tuberculosis, salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium and E. coli.
Federal health authorities in the US have long cautioned against drinking raw milk due to these risks, and the sale of unpasteurised milk across state lines has been banned since 1987. Despite this, raw milk has gained popularity in recent years.
Before joining the Trump administration, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr had publicly supported the consumption of raw milk. However, since assuming office, Kennedy has largely avoided the issue, even as raw milk advocates continue to push for changes in federal policy.
While the administration’s recent campaign promoting whole milk consumption does not include raw milk, some advocacy groups have interpreted the move as encouraging. In September, the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” report proposed easing barriers for small dairy farmers selling their own milk — a move that drew praise from companies involved in whole and raw milk products.
Health officials have reiterated that pasteurised dairy products remain the safest choice, especially for vulnerable populations.