Raw milk is going viral—but is it really better for you?

Why are people talking about raw milk?

If you follow health or wellness accounts, you may have seen people praising raw milk as less processed or better for health. Some supporters question why it cannot be sold for drinking in Australia. ABC News reported on Australian social media promotion of raw milk in 2025 and concerns raised by food-safety experts. Those questions are worth exploring: what does processing actually do, and what is the evidence behind the restrictions? ABC News: raw milk online.

The discussion is not limited to Australia. In April, the Associated Press reported an increase in social media posts promoting raw milk in the United States, often with unproven health claims. That reporting does not tell us how many Australians have seen or agree with those posts. Associated Press: raw milk debate.

Closer to home, the Food Safety Information Council released a survey for Australian Food Safety Week, held from 7 to 14 November 2026. In its online survey of 1,229 adults, 16% reported consuming raw cow's milk. This is a survey estimate based on what participants said, rather than a count of everyone who drinks it; the published release does not specify the period of consumption. Food Safety Information Council survey.

What is raw milk, and what does pasteurisation do?

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurised. Pasteurisation heats milk for a specific time at a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Other approved processing methods can also make milk safe for sale. Food Standards Australia New Zealand: raw drinking milk.

The idea of a less processed food can be appealing. But milk can pick up harmful bacteria from animals or the environment, even when a farm takes care with hygiene. Pasteurisation is a food-safety step designed to reduce that risk.

Is raw milk more nutritious?

Supporters sometimes say that avoiding heat makes raw milk more nutritious or better for digestion. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pasteurised milk offers the same nutritional benefits. Pasteurisation substantially reduces the risk from harmful germs in raw milk, although food can still become contaminated after processing. The Australian Food Safety Information Council says pasteurisation generally does not affect milk's nutritional value. CDC: raw milk; Food Safety Information Council.

People can have different experiences with food, but a personal experience doesn't establish that raw milk is safer or healthier. If ordinary milk upsets your stomach, talk with a GP or dietitian about possible causes and suitable alternatives rather than relying on raw milk as a solution.

What are the risks?

Raw milk can contain bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. These can cause foodborne illness, and a product can be contaminated even if it looks, smells and tastes normal. Good farm hygiene reduces contamination but cannot guarantee raw milk is free of harmful bacteria. Anyone can become sick, but some people are more likely to become seriously ill. Food Standards Australia New Zealand: raw milk risks.

During pregnancy, listeria infection can have serious consequences for the baby, including miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth. Pregnant women, young children, older people and people with weakened immune systems are among those at higher risk. Food Standards Australia New Zealand: listeria.

Why can't raw cow's milk be sold for drinking?

In Australia, raw cow's milk cannot legally be sold as food for people to drink. Food Standards Australia New Zealand assessed the risks and concluded that processing requirements should remain because of the risk from disease-causing bacteria. FSANZ: its assessment.

You may see products described as “bath milk”, cosmetic milk or pet milk. The Food Safety Information Council says these products are not sold as food and are not required to meet the food-safety requirements for drinking milk. Their availability does not make them safe to drink.

The rules are not identical for every dairy product: some raw goat's milk and certain raw-milk cheeses may be sold under strict food-safety requirements. Ask your health professional about food choices during pregnancy; the existence of a permitted product does not mean it is suitable for everyone. Food Safety Information Council.

What if I've already had raw milk?

Drinking raw milk does not mean you will become ill, so try not to panic. If you feel unwell, contact a GP or other health professional and mention what you drank. If you are pregnant or otherwise at higher risk and are concerned, contact your maternity team or GP for advice, even if you feel well. They can help you decide whether anything further is needed.

Symptoms of foodborne illness can include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Listeria symptoms can vary, and in some people the illness may initially resemble flu. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe, you are becoming very unwell or you are concerned about a baby. NSW Health: listeriosis; FSANZ: listeria.