Milk, Bombs, and Blackouts: A World in Crisis

Raw Milk Consumption Linked to Newborn Death in New Mexico

A newborn in New Mexico died from a Listeria infection likely contracted from the mother's consumption of raw milk during pregnancy, according to multiple news sources. Health officials are now reiterating warnings against the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products due to the risk of pathogens like Listeria.

The Listeria bacteria poses a significant threat to pregnant women and their babies, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or fatal infection, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Health officials, the FDA, and ACOG have long advised against consuming raw milk due to the risk of contamination. The recent death has prompted renewed calls for pregnant women to avoid unpasteurized dairy altogether.

The consumption of whole milk has been a topic of discussion recently, with the Trump administration publishing updated federal dietary guidelines that recommend full-fat dairy, like whole milk, and passed a new law that allows public schools to serve whole milk. While these guidelines and policies promote dairy consumption, health officials emphasize the importance of pasteurization to eliminate harmful bacteria.