Raw milk facts for kids
Raw milk is milk that comes straight from an animal, like a cow, goat, or sheep, and has not been heated. Most milk you buy in stores has been heated in a process called pasteurization. This heating kills harmful germs that could make you sick.
Contents
What is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is milk that has not gone through a special heating process called pasteurization. Pasteurization heats milk to a certain temperature for a short time. This heating kills any bad germs that might be in the milk, making it safer to drink. Most milk sold in stores today is pasteurized.
Why Do Some People Like Raw Milk?
Some people who drink raw milk believe it has several benefits. They often say it tastes better than pasteurized milk. They also think it might have more nutrients, like vitamins and good bacteria, because the heating process of pasteurization can change some of these things. Some even believe raw milk can help build a stronger immune system, which protects your body from illness.
Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink?
Doctors and scientists generally warn that drinking raw milk can be risky. This is because raw milk can contain harmful germs, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These germs can cause serious infections, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. While some people believe raw milk is healthier, medical experts have not found clear evidence that it offers more benefits than pasteurized milk.
Rules for Raw Milk
The rules about selling and drinking raw milk are different around the world. In some places, it is completely legal to sell raw milk for people to drink. In other places, it is against the law, or there are very strict rules about how it can be sold. For example, in some parts of the United States, dairies might use a special low-temperature heating method. They say this method makes milk similar to raw milk while still making it safer.
Images for kids
-
Raw milk from Aveyron, France
-
American raw milk
-
French Roquefort, a famous blue cheese, which is required by European law to be made from raw sheep's milk
-
Raw Milk Vending Machine, Norfolk, UK
-
In Georgia it is legal to sell raw milk for consumption by pets.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Leche no pasteurizada para niños
