Unpasteurized or raw milk
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Milk
Milk sold in Canada must be pasteurized. Pasteurization is a heat treatment that destroys harmful microorganisms while retaining milk's nutritional value. This process makes the milk we drink safe.
Health risks of unpasteurized or raw milk
Drinking unpasteurized milk increases the risk of foodborne illnesses because it could contain harmful microorganisms that could make you sick.
Harmful microorganisms such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella have been found in unpasteurized milk. These microorganisms can cause food poisoning and lead to mild to severe health effects, such as:
- fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- miscarriage
- life-threatening kidney failure
In some cases, food poisoning may even result in death.
People at greater risk of food poisoning include:
- people who are pregnant
- people 60 years old and over
- children 5 years old and under
- people with weakened immune systems
Reduce your risk from the consumption of unpasteurized or raw milk
People at greater risk of food poisoning should avoid drinking unpasteurized milk because they are more likely to get food poisoning. In many cases, their immune systems are less able to fight foodborne pathogens.
Therefore, these people are more:
- vulnerable to infection
- likely to experience severe health-related problems if they get sick, than other individuals
Always choose pasteurized milk:
- read the product label before buying it in Canada or abroad
- only buy milk if the label indicates that it has been pasteurized
- if you are unsure whether the milk is pasteurized, do not buy it
Cheese
In Canada, cheese made from unpasteurized or raw milk can be sold. Under the Food and Drug Regulations, it must be aged for at least 60 days. This aging period helps reduce harmful bacteria, making these cheeses safe for most people to eat.
Potential health risks of cheese made from unpasteurized or raw milk
Most healthy adults can safely eat cheese made from unpasteurized or raw milk. However, people at greater risk of food poisoning should avoid it, as it can lead to serious health problems.
Reduce your risk from the consumption of cheese if you are at greater risk of food poisoning
Know what type of cheese you are buying:
- read the product label before buying it in Canada or abroad
- follow advice in the information sheet: Safer cheese choices for people at greater risk of food poisoning