AAP Policy Statement Against Consumption of Raw Milk Products by Pregnant Women and Children

Deborah Lehman, MD

The AAP joins other medical associations and the FDA in seeking a ban on the sale of raw or unpasteurized milk products.

Many people believe that raw and unpasteurized dairy products confer greater nutritional benefits than pasteurized products, despite the lack of evidence to support this claim. Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. demonstrate transmission of multiple pathogens from raw milk consumption, including Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Brucella and Escherichia coli 0157 (the pathogen associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome). Less frequently identified pathogens associated with raw milk consumption include Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium bovis. Infections related to ingestion of raw milk products have resulted in multiple outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. Infections in pregnant women have led to premature births, serious neonatal infections (including meningitis), and spontaneous abortions and stillbirth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement against consumption of raw and unpasteurized milk products by pregnant women and children. The report warns that raw milk products from cows, sheep, and goats can be contaminated with the pathogenic organisms mentioned above as well as viruses (rabies, norovirus, vaccinia) and parasites (Giardia). These products present risk to everyone, but the risk is highest in pregnant women and young children. Therefore, the AAP joins other medical associations and the FDA in seeking a ban on the sale of raw or unpasteurized milk and milk products, including raw and aged cheeses.

CITATION(S):

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Nutrition. Consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk and milk products by pregnant women and children. Pediatrics 2013 Dec 16; [e-pub ahead of print].