UK Food Standards Agency classifies raw milk as high risk

The UK Food Standards Agency has classified raw milk as a high-risk food, issuing warnings against its consumption for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. This classification comes amid a surge in interest regarding raw milk on social media platforms like Instagram, where hundreds of thousands of posts promote its perceived health benefits.

Proponents and certain influencers suggest that raw milk may be easier to digest, support gut health, and potentially prevent allergies or asthma. However, health experts note that while pasteurization aims to kill harmful bacteria, it also eliminates potential beneficial bacteria. Research from Canada indicates that pasteurization has a minimal impact on the overall nutritional value of milk, specifically regarding heat-sensitive vitamins.

While some small-scale observational studies have noted differences in gut microbiome composition among those consuming raw dairy, researchers emphasize that these studies do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship or prove significant health benefits. The primary concern remains the risk of food poisoning from harmful bacteria present in unprocessed milk.