Milk and milk products provide a wealth of nutrition benefits. But unpasteurized milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Pasteurized milk that is correctly handled in the dairy, bottled, sealed, and refrigerated after pasteurization, and that is properly handled by the consumer, is very unlikely to contain illness-causing germs. Considering the large amount of pasteurized milk that people drink, illness from it is very rare.
Many people eat food that has undergone minimal processing, and some people also choose to drink raw milk.
Raw milk and products made from it, however, can pose severe health risks, including death. That is because raw milk has not undergone a process called pasteurization that kills disease-causing germs.
Video: The Dangers of Unpasteurized Milk
5 Raw Milk Myths Busted!
- MYTH: Raw milk is healthier and more nutritious than pasteurized milk.
- MYTH: Drinking raw milk may not be safe, but no harm will come from eating products (soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt) made from raw milk.
- MYTH: Milk is safe if it is labeled “organic.”
- MYTH: Raw milk and products made from it – soft cheese and yogurt – are safe if they come from healthy animals.
- MYTH: If animals are raised in sanitary conditions on humane farms, their milk is safe.
- FACT: Most of the nutritional benefits of drinking raw milk are available from pasteurized milk without the risk of disease that comes with drinking raw milk.
- FACT: Raw milk made into other products, like soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can still cause dangerous infections. When consuming these products, make sure they are made from pasteurized milk.
- FACT: Only organic milk that has been pasteurized is safe to drink.
- FACT: Healthy animals can carry illness-causing germs, such as Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, that can contaminate milk.
- FACT: Even dairy farms with very good safety practices can harbor illness-causing germs. And even if tests on a batch of a farm’s raw milk come back negative, it is no guarantee that the next batch of milk will be free of harmful germs.
Milk contamination may occur in these ways:
- Animal feces coming into direct contact with the milk
- Infection of the udder (mastitis)
- Cow diseases (for example, bovine tuberculosis)
- Bacteria that live on the skin of animals
- Environment (for example, feces, dirt, and processing equipment)
- Insects, rodents, and other animal vectors
- Unsanitary conditions in milk processing plant
- Cross-contamination from dairy workers, such as contact with dirty clothing or boots
Pasteurization is the only way to kill many of the bacteria in milk that can make people very sick.
Information and Resources
Comprehensive Information on the Dangers of Raw Milk
The Dangers of Raw Milk (CDC)
- Real Stories of the Dangers of Raw Milk (CDC Videos)
- Raw Milk Questions and Answers (CDC)
- Trying to Decide About Raw Milk? (CDC)
The Dangers of Raw Milk (FDA)
Raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks.
Questions & Answers: Raw Milk (FDA)
Raw milk is not safe to drink. Find out more about the risks.
Raw Milk May Pose Health Risk (FDA)
Consumer update on raw milk
Raw Milk Misconceptions and the Danger of Raw Milk Consumption (FDA)
Point and counterpoint on popular myths about raw milk
The Dangers of Raw Milk (FDA)
Unpasteurized milk can pose a serious health risk
Food Safety and Raw Milk (FDA)
Understanding health risks associated with raw milk.
Raw Milk Questions and Answers
Frequently asked questions and answers about the risks of drinking raw milk. (CDC)
Cheese
Preventing Listeriosis In Pregnant Hispanic Women in the U.S. (FDA)
When pregnant women eat Mexican-style soft cheeses, they are putting their unborn babies at risk!
Ice Cream
Enjoying Homemade Ice Cream without the Risk of Salmonella Infection (FDA)
To avoid the risk of salmonella infection, use a pasteurized egg product instead of raw eggs.
Download Food Handling Fact Sheets
Download a quick overview for staying healthy and free from food poisoning when getting takeout, delivery or dining out. A reference guide of invaluable information on meal prep, shopping, and storage lists of DOS and DON’TS food safety from the grocery cart to the refrigerator
7 Steps Community Meals and Food Safety in the Kitchen Advice About Eating Fish and Shellfish Chart Only Advice About Eating Fish and Shellfish Chart Only - Spanish Advice About Eating Fish and Shellfish Chart Plus Questions and Answers Buy, Store and Serve Safe Food for Buffets or the Holiday Season Choose Fish and Shellfish Wisely Should I Eat the Fish I Catch Choose Fish and Shellfish Wisely Should I Eat the Fish I Catch - Spanish Cooking for Groups and Holiday Food Safety in the Kitchen Food Safety for Safe Handling When Getting Takeout or Delivery Grill it Safe Food Safety Card Grill it Safe When Cooking Outdoors Food Safety E-Card Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors - Spanish Healthy Guests Happy Holidays Food Safety Flyer Holiday Food Safety Brochure Keeping Bag Lunches Safe From Bacteria That Cause Foodborne Illness Keeping Bag Lunches Safe From Bacteria That Cause Foodborne Illness - Spanish Meal Prep Lists of Dos and Don’ts Food Safety from the Grocery Cart to the Refrigerator New and Improved Nutrition Facts Label New and Improved Nutrition Facts Label - Spanish Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet for Consumers Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Chart Selecting and Serving Fresh and Frozen Seafood Safely Selecting and Serving Produce Safely Selecting and Serving Produce Safely- Spanish Shopping and Storage Lists of Dos And Don’ts Food Safety from the Grocery Cart to the Refrigerator Tailgating Food Safety Q & A Test Your Safety Knowledge About Ready-to-Cook Foods Thanksgiving Holiday Food Safety Information The Raw Story Frozen Chicken Entrees for Food Safety Turkey Thawing Hints from the National Turkey Federation 
What is a Serving Size Graphic What You Need to Know About Juice Safety What You Need to Know About Juice Safety - Spanish FoodSafety.gov Charts: Food Safety at a Glance
How long can you store leftovers in the refrigerator? How can you tell when chicken breasts are done? How long does it take to cook a turkey? Check out these charts for fast answers.
Storing Food Charts
Storing Food
Whether putting food in the refrigerator, the freezer, or the cupboard, you have plenty of opportunities to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Preparing and Cooking Food Charts
Preparing and Cooking Food
One of the basics of food safety is cooking food to its proper temperature. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
FoodSafety.gov: FoodKeeper App
The FoodKeeper helps you understand food and beverages storage. It will help you maximize the freshness and quality of items. By doing so you will be able to keep items fresh longer than if they were not stored properly. It is also available as a mobile application for devices, Android and Apple.
Public Downloads
All items are free to view, share, and download.
Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Download Food Safety Activities, Coloring Sheets, Infographics and Videos
Food Safety Educational Downloads
-whatever Download Food Safety Activities
A Handbook for Kitchen Food Safety A to Z Food Safety Reference Guide Anyone Can Get Food Poisoning Poster Bad Bug Book Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook Fight BAC Food Safety Poster Food Safe Families Activity Book Food Safe Families Activity Book - Spanish Food Safety Activity Worksheet Food Safety at Home or School and When Eating Out Activity Book Food Safety Keep Hands Clean Food Safety Shopping Lists Food Technology Educational Activity Book and Worksheets Information on Food Safety After School Information on Food Safety After School - Spanish Learn Food Safety, Hygiene and Preparation for Kids Safe Recipe Cooking with Nutritious Ingredients Safe Recipe Cooking with Nutritious Ingredients - Spanish Safe Recipe Download the Sample Recipe Cards for Food Safety Safe Recipe Style Guide Safe Recipe Style Temperature Chart for Food Safety Safe Recipe Tips for Writing Food Safe Recipes Safe Recipe Tips for Writing Food Safe Recipes - Spanish School Lunch Food Safety Tips Flyer Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce Cheat Sheet USDA Food Safety Mobile Coloring Book {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Food Safety Activity Sheets
Chill Word Puzzle Food Safety Activity Sheet Clean Word Puzzle Food Safety Activity Sheet Food Safety Check Your Steps Children's Color Quiz Activity Worksheet Food Safety Core Four Activity Placemat Printable Page 8x14 or 11x17 Food Safety Retailer Story Activity Placemat Printable Page 8x14 or 11x17 Food Safety Turkey Story Activity Placemat Printable Page 8x14 or 11x17 Food Safety Vegetable Story Activity Placemat Printable Page 8x14 or 11x17 Lunch Choices Food Safety Activity Sheets Separate, Do not Cross Contaminate Word Search Food Safety Activity Sheet Solve the Mystery Food Safety Activity Sheets Thanksgiving Word Puzzle Food Safety Activity Sheet Word Scramble Food Safety Activity Sheets Word Search and Define Food Safety Activity Sheets {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Food Safety Coloring Sheets
BAC with Cookie Dough Food Safety Coloring Sheet BAC with Turkey Food Safety Coloring Sheet Certificate of Participation Food Safety Coloring Sheet Food Safety Mistakes Coloring Sheet Fruits and Vegetables Food Safety Coloring Sheet Handwashing Food Safety Coloring Sheet Hot and Cold Food Safety Coloring Sheet Keep Kitchen Clean Food Safety Coloring Sheet No BAC Logo Food Safety Coloring Sheet Perishables Food Safety Coloring Sheet Picnics Food Safety Coloring Sheet Recipes Food Safety Coloring Sheet Refrigerator Food Safety Coloring Sheet Safe Handling Label Food Safety Coloring Sheet Thermy Coloring Sheet Wash and Dry Food Safety Coloring Sheet {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Food Safety Videos
7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables Video Barbecue Basics Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illness Food Safety during Power Outages Video Food Safety in the Kitchen Video Food Safety Video - Cooking to a Safe Internal Temperature and How to Use a Food Thermometer Food Safety Video - Cross Contamination Food Safety Video - Gear Up for Food Safety Food Safety Video - How to Thaw Foods Properly Food Safety Video - How to Use a Food Thermometer Food Safety Video - Smart Kids Fight BAC Food Safety Video - Super Bowl Cooking with Martie Duncan Food Safety Video - The Importance of Cleaning and Washing During Food Preparation Fresh and Frozen Seafood Selecting and Serving it Safely Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Bake Safely Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Bake Safely - Spanish Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Keep Foods Separate Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Keep Foods Separate - Spanish Prevent Food Poisoning Video - People at Higher Risk for Food Poisoning Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Safety Tips for Handling and Preparing Common Food Prevent Food Poisoning Video - Symptoms of Severe Food Poisoning Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices The Dangers of Unpasteurized Milk The Food Label and Your Party Food Gametime Play By Play What You Should Know The Latest on Hand Sanitizers What You Should Know The Latest on Hand Sanitizers - Spanish {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Food Safety Educational Infographics
5 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator About Cooking for Groups Food Safety Infographic Be a Germ Stopper Cover Your Cough Flyer Be a Germ Stopper Cover Your Cough Flyer - Spanish Check the Cheese, Avoid Listeria Infographic Check the Cheese, Avoid Listeria Infographic - Spanish Food Safety in the Kitchen Infographic Fruit and Vegetable Safety Infographic Fruit and Vegetable Safety Infographic - Spanish Get Ready to Grill Safely Infographic Get Ready to Grill Safely Infographic - Spanish Graphics About Food Safety Graphics About Food Safety - Spanish In an Emergency Food Safety in the Kitchen Infographic Keeping Food Safe A Global Responsibility Infographic Raw Milk, Know the Raw Facts Rules of the Game for Food Safety Infographic Rules of the Game for Food Safety Infographic - Spanish Safety Tips for Handling and Preparing Common Foods Infographic The Food Production Chain Safety Infographic The Raw Story – Frozen Chicken Entrees {/sliders-whatever}
Download Handwashing Activities, Worksheets, Posters and Videos
Handwashing Educational Downloads
-whatever Download Handwashing Activities
About Global Handwashing Day About Global Handwashing Day Advocacy Toolkit About Global Handwashing Day Hand Hygiene Why How and When Brochure Food Safety Handwashing Story Activity Placemat Printable Page 8x14 or 11x17 Handwashing Activity Worksheets Handwashing Chart Handwashing Fight Germs Wash Your Hands Video Teaching Young Children Handwashing Family Guide Wash Hands Video - Spanish Washing Hands Safety Fact Sheet Washing Hands Safety Fact Sheet - Spanish What You Should Know The Latest on Hand Sanitizers Video What You Should Know The Latest on Hand Sanitizers Video - Spanish {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Scrub Club Activity Worksheets
Scrub Club 6 Steps Hand Washing Bathroom Poster Scrub Club Cast of Characters Scrub Club Cast of Characters - Spanish Scrub Club Gel-Mo on the Go Hand Washing Storybook Scrub Club Hand Washing Coloring Pages Scrub Club Hand Washing Coloring Pages - Spanish Scrub Club Handango Clean Hands Activity Worksheet - Spanish Scrub Club Handango Clean Hands Activity Worksheets Scrub Club Handwashing Activity Worksheets Scrub Club Influenza Enzo Wanted Poster Scrub Club Influenza Enzo Wanted Poster - Spanish Scrub Club Villains Poster Scrub Club Villains Poster - Spanish 
Scrub Club Wallpaper 1024x768 Scrub Club Wallpaper 800x600 {/sliders-whatever}
-whatever Download Handwashing Educational Posters
Be a Germ Stopper at School and Home Poster for Boys Be a Germ Stopper at School and Home Poster for Girls Do Not Forget How-to Handwashing Safety Information Poster 1 Do Not Forget How-to Handwashing Safety Information Poster 2 Do Not Touch the TZONE with Your Hands Safety Information Poster Hand Awareness Safety Information Poster Handwashing Poster 1 Handwashing Poster 2 Handwashing Poster 3 Temperature Affect Germs Safety Information Poster What Germs Could Do To Your Hands Safety Information Poster {/sliders-whatever}
