New research raises alarms about hidden drug-resistant bacteria in raw milk, challenging the belief that unpasteurized milk is a cleaner and healthier option. A study found that raw cow and sheep milk often contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with nearly one in four samples showing signs of infection. The misuse of antibiotics on farms has contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant strains that can spread from animals to humans through raw milk, highlighting the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and improved hygiene practices in the dairy sector to reduce public health risks.

Despite its increasing popularity, drinking raw milk is far riskier than most people realize. The CDC warns that raw milk can be a source of foodborne illness, with pasteurization considered crucial for milk safety. Drinking unpasteurized milk can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or death, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Ultimately, the "natural" appeal of raw milk does not make it safer, as pasteurization effectively removes pathogens that can cause foodborne illness and prevent dangerous outbreaks.