A recent post by “The Liver Doc” on X has ignited debate over the health risks of raw milk. In his warning, he advised, “Do not drink or give your kids raw milk,” explaining that unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. He emphasized that pasteurization was introduced “for a reason.”
“Please don’t drink raw milk or give it to your kids. While it may seem natural and nostalgic, remember that our ancestors lived only about 25–30 years on average,” he cautioned. “Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia, Brucella, Coxiella, and Listeria. The H5N1 avian influenza (‘bird flu’) virus has also been detected in raw milk from cows infected with H5N1.”
“These aren’t mild infections,” he continued. “Some can severely impact your life—for example, Listeria can affect the brain, leading to recurrent seizures in children, while severe Salmonella infection can cause shock, potentially shutting down the heart and brain in a short time.”
The responses were mixed. Some defended raw milk based on personal experience, with one user commenting, “I drink it every day and I’m thriving,” and another mentioning a lifetime of raw milk consumption with no issues, adding, “My father drank raw milk; he’s 80.” Others questioned whether boiling pasteurized milk was necessary, with one person asking if it was only needed when the milk was left outside its original packaging.
The topic of milk’s necessity beyond infancy also arose, with some questioning its role in adulthood. One commenter even suggested adding a “community note” to clarify the risks.
This debate underscored the divide over raw milk consumption, as health authorities like the FDA warn of contamination risks, while some individuals remain skeptical, citing tradition and personal health experiences.
