Plate Nº 84 · recorded October 10, 2026
Health & Medicine ResearchReported finding
Pediatricians Renew Push to Ban Raw Milk, Warn of H5N1 Risk
The AAP urges a federal ban on raw-milk sales, warning that nearly half of raw-dairy illnesses strike people under 20 and that H5N1 virus can persist for up to five weeks in unpasteurized milk.
By Nathan Brooks3 min read558 words
In brief
- Nearly half of raw-dairy illnesses occur in people under age 20, according to the AAP's 2026 Pediatrics statement.
- Raw milk sales remain legal in at least 27 U.S. states.
- Listeriosis incidence is an estimated 12 to 14 times higher during pregnancy than in the general population.
- During the 2024 U.S. dairy outbreak, infectious H5N1 was detected in roughly one-quarter of raw milk samples in affected areas.
- H5N1 virus can remain detectable in refrigerated raw milk for up to five weeks, per the AAP statement.
AAP policy statement says nearly half of raw-dairy illnesses hit people under 20
The American Academy of Pediatrics wants a federal ban on raw milk and dairy products, citing new evidence that the H5N1 bird-flu virus can persist in unpasteurized milk for weeks. The updated policy statement also reports that nearly half of all illnesses tied to raw dairy strike people under age 20, with a significant share in children younger than 5.
Why is the AAP raising this warning now?
The new statement, published in Pediatrics, updates 2014 guidance that the AAP reaffirmed in 2025. Lead author Adam J. Ratner, M.D., MPH, FAAP, said the 2014 document predated the H5N1 outbreak that has hit U.S. dairy herds since 2024.
"Nearly half of illnesses caused by raw dairy consumption occur in people under age 20—and a significant share of those cases are in children under 5," Ratner said.
What is raw milk, and where is it sold?
Raw milk comes from cows, goats or sheep and skips pasteurization, the century-old heating step that kills harmful bacteria. Despite well-documented health risks, the sale and distribution of raw milk remains legal in at least 27 states.
What pathogens live in raw milk?
Unpasteurized milk is a well-documented source of serious foodborne pathogens, which include:
- Listeria
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Brucella
These infections can lead to hospitalization, life-threatening illness, miscarriage or death, particularly in young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.
Why is pregnancy especially risky?
The incidence of listeriosis runs an estimated 12 to 14 times higher during pregnancy than in the general population. Listeria infection can trigger miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or severe illness in newborns.
What does H5N1 have to do with milk?
H5N1, also called highly pathogenic avian influenza, can move from infected dairy cattle into their milk, where the virus reaches high concentrations. Laboratory tests have detected the virus in refrigerated raw milk for up to five weeks after collection.
During the 2024 U.S. dairy outbreak, infectious H5N1 turned up in nearly one-quarter of raw milk samples taken in affected areas. Researchers have not confirmed any human H5N1 infection from drinking raw milk, but they consider that route a credible emerging threat.
What do experts say about raw-milk claims?
Scientific evidence does not support claims that raw milk offers superior health benefits, the AAP statement says. Pasteurization keeps the nutritional value families rely on while removing dangerous germs.
"Parents may choose raw milk because they have heard it is healthier or more natural, but the scientific evidence tells a different story," said Mark R. Corkins, M.D., FAAP, co-author of the policy statement.
"Pasteurized dairy products provide the same essential nutrients without exposing children and families to preventable infections from dangerous bacteria and viruses. For infants, children and pregnant people, pasteurized dairy products are clearly the safest choice."
Where will the policy be presented?
Ratner will discuss the policy on Oct. 5 at the AAP 2026 National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. The session, "Meet the Red Book," runs 8–10 a.m. at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A. The statement was written by the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Nutrition and approved by the AAP Board of Directors after several rounds of peer review.
via Medical Xpress (Source)
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