Health experts across the United States are issuing renewed warnings about the dangers of drinking raw milk following the death of a newborn baby in New Mexico from a listeria infection. The case has reignited debate around the growing popularity of unpasteurised dairy products and raised serious concerns about public health, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and people with weakened immune systems.
Raw milk, which comes directly from cows without undergoing pasteurisation, has recently been promoted by influencers and wellness advocates as a more natural and nutritious alternative to conventional milk. However, medical professionals stress that these claims are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence and that the risks associated with raw milk consumption remain well documented and potentially fatal.
According to health officials, the newborn baby who died had contracted listeria, a bacterial infection that can be especially dangerous during pregnancy and early infancy. Experts believe the infection was most likely passed from mother to child after the mother consumed raw milk while pregnant.
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen known for its ability to cross the placental barrier, which means it can pass from a pregnant person to their unborn baby. Neonatal listeriosis carries a mortality rate of between 20 and 30 percent, making it one of the most serious food borne infections for newborns.
While officials did not confirm the exact source of the bacteria, the New Mexico Department of Health stated that the case highlights the severe risks raw dairy products pose to vulnerable populations. These include pregnant women, infants, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Raw milk has not been pasteurised, a process that gently heats milk for a short time to kill harmful bacteria without significantly affecting its nutritional value. Pasteurisation is widely recognised as one of the most important public health interventions of the last century.
Without pasteurisation, raw milk can contain a range of dangerous pathogens. These include listeria, salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, brucella, tuberculosis bacteria, cryptosporidium, and even bird flu viruses.
Kali Kniel, a professor of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware, told the BBC that even milk from clean dairies and healthy animals cannot be considered safe.
She explained that pathogens are often invisible and unpredictable. An animal can appear healthy while still shedding bacteria into its milk. As a result, there is no reliable way to guarantee that raw milk is free from contamination.
Despite the risks, raw milk consumption has been increasing in recent years. This trend has been fuelled in part by social media influencers who describe raw milk as a superior product, sometimes calling it “liquid gold”. Some claim it improves digestion, boosts immunity, and enhances skin health.
The movement has also gained traction among followers of the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, movement. Supporters often argue that raw milk is more natural and that government regulation unfairly restricts consumer choice.
Health experts say the appeal of raw milk has grown in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, as people search for ways to improve their health and reduce illness. Some European studies have suggested possible links between raw milk consumption and lower rates of asthma or allergies in children. However, experts caution that these findings are limited and do not outweigh the proven dangers.
Professor Kniel emphasised that scientific evidence shows pasteurisation does not significantly reduce the nutritional value of milk. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and calcium remain largely intact after the process.
The issue has drawn further attention following reports involving Ballerina Farm, a company owned by social media influencer Hannah Neeleman and her husband Daniel Neeleman. The company has more than 10 million followers across its platforms and sells a range of farm products, including raw milk.
Ballerina Farm recently paused raw milk sales after routine testing identified health violations. According to reports from KPCW, an NPR affiliate in Utah, state agriculture officials found two violations during milk testing in the summer of 2025.
Hannah Neeleman has previously shared posts praising raw milk, stating that she and her children drink it fresh and directly from the cow. She has also claimed it benefits her skin. The BBC has contacted the company for comment.
Public health professionals warn that influencer endorsements can have serious consequences, especially when they downplay or ignore medical risks. Followers may view these figures as trusted sources, even when their claims are not supported by scientific research.
Raw milk has also found supporters in political circles. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has previously described himself as a fan of raw milk. Some MAHA advocates have urged him to push for nationwide legalisation of raw milk sales and to stop penalising unlicensed producers.
Currently, laws around raw milk vary widely across the United States. Some states allow retail sales, others permit only farm gate sales, and some ban it entirely. Health experts argue that loosening regulations could lead to more outbreaks of food borne illness.
Professor Kniel and other specialists stress that public policy should prioritise safety, especially for those most at risk. They argue that stronger warnings and clearer public health messaging are essential to prevent future tragedies.
Pasteurisation was introduced in the late 19th century and quickly became a cornerstone of food safety. The process involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a short period, which kills harmful bacteria without making the milk unsafe or nutritionally deficient.
According to food safety researchers, pasteurisation does not destroy enzymes or nutrients in a way that would negatively affect health. Claims that raw milk is significantly more nutritious have not been supported by robust scientific evidence.
In contrast, the dangers of consuming unpasteurised milk are well established. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has repeatedly linked raw milk to outbreaks of serious illness, particularly among children.
Health officials are particularly concerned about pregnant women, who may not realise the risks raw milk poses to their unborn babies. Listeria infection during pregnancy may cause mild or flu like symptoms in the mother, but it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life threatening illness in newborns.
Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to severe complications. For these groups, even a small amount of contaminated milk can have devastating consequences.
New Mexico health authorities have urged residents to avoid raw dairy products entirely. They hope other states will follow suit by increasing public awareness and issuing stronger warnings.
The death of the New Mexico newborn has been described by officials as a tragic reminder of the real world consequences of food safety decisions. Experts stress that this was a preventable loss and that no perceived benefit of raw milk justifies the risk.
Professor Kniel said protecting public health must remain the priority. She added that education, regulation, and responsible communication are key to ensuring similar cases do not occur again.
As raw milk continues to trend online and in certain communities, health professionals urge consumers to rely on evidence based guidance rather than social media claims. Pasteurised milk remains a safe, nutritious option that does not carry the same life threatening risks.
BBC News, “Experts warn against drinking raw milk after New Mexico baby’s listeria death”, by Ana Faguy, published 2026.
This article is based on reporting from BBC News. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult qualified health professionals for guidance on food safety and health decisions.
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