Survey reveals concerning number of Americans still believe raw milk is healthier than pasteurised milk

The benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed foods have long been promoted by the raw food movement, but the discussion becomes more nuanced when discussing raw milk. The detection of avian flu in milk samples across the United States has heightened the public health discussion surrounding raw (unpasteurized) milk, despite its increasing popularity. So, is raw milk a superfood or a silent risk? The latest research suggests that many Americans may not fully understand the dangers involved.

The FDA discovered the H5N1 bird flu virus in raw milk samples from four states in April 2024. Since then, the virus has also been discovered in raw milk that is marketed commercially. Although eating raw milk has not been directly associated with any incidence of avian flu, the results have alarmed medical professionals.

The CDC reported that 70 human cases of H5 bird flu had been reported in 13 states by the beginning of 2025, mostly among people who had been in close contact with sick poultry or dairy animals. Although there is yet no proof of human-to-human transmission, one person tragically died in Louisiana.