Is it safe to drink raw (unpasteurised) milk?
Raw milk, also called unpasteurised milk, may contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) continues to advise the public not to drink raw milk without boiling it first. This is based on advice from the Authority’s Scientific Committee.
Who is at risk from drinking raw milk?
Any person who consumes raw milk is at risk. Certain groups of people however are more susceptible to illness and more severe illness. These include:
- infants and children
- pregnant women
- older people or
- those who are unwell or have chronic illness.
How does raw milk become contaminated?
Healthy animals can carry harmful bacteria, called pathogens, in their gut and faeces. Examples include Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens do not make the animals sick but they can cause illness in people if they ingest them. Contamination of raw milk with pathogens can occur during milking, even with good hygienic practices in place. In the case of animals with diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) or mastitis, pathogens may be present in the milk prior to milking.
Can you tell if raw milk is contaminated?
No, you cannot. Harmful bacteria do not change the look, smell or taste of raw milk.
What is commercial pasteurisation and how does it make milk safe?
Commercial pasteurisation involves heating the milk to a high temperature for a short time, followed by rapid cooling to refrigeration temperature. The high temperature kills harmful bacteria that may be found in raw milk. It also removes spoilage bacteria which helps preserve the milk so that it can stay fresher for longer.
How can you make raw milk safe to drink at home?
You can boil the milk.
Some people invest in a home pasteuriser. If using a home pasteuriser, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and in particular to ensure that:
- the milk reaches the correct temperature for the correct length of time
- the milk is cooled quickly to refrigeration temperature, and
- the machine is cleaned and sanitised.