Health

Raw milk consumption surges on TikTok despite 45-fold higher hospitalisation risk

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 12:15AM UTC

The growing popularity of raw milk in Britain, fuelled by social media endorsements and high-profile advocates, raises urgent health concerns as experts warn unpasteurised milk is linked to a 45 times greater chance of hospitalisation due to dangerous pathogens including E. coli and avian influenza.

The rise of raw milk consumption in Britain has sparked considerable concern, particularly as social media platforms like TikTok contribute to its growing popularity. The allure of raw milk, often marketed as a natural alternative to pasteurised options, is being scrutinised amid mounting evidence highlighting its potential health risks. Experts warn that consuming unpasteurised milk is significantly more hazardous, with a startling statistic indicating that it can lead to hospitalization 45 times more often than pasteurised milk.

Raw milk can harbour harmful pathogens including E. coli, salmonella, and even avian influenza (H5N1), which pose serious health threats, especially to vulnerable populations such as children. According to health authorities, the risks associated with drinking raw milk far outweigh any purported health benefits that proponents, including notable public figures, may advocate. Despite these warnings, the trend appears to be gaining traction, particularly among younger demographics who are influenced by online trends.

The debate surrounding the safety of raw milk has been exacerbated by claims from its advocates. They often promote it as a more nutritious or healthful option; however, these assertions have been met with skepticism from the scientific community. Research consistently underscores the efficacy of pasteurization in eliminating pathogens that can lead to severe illness. Yet, the allure of raw milk continues to be bolstered by anecdotal evidence and social media endorsements, making it a complex issue for public health messaging.

Public health agencies face significant challenges in conveying the risks associated with raw milk. Multiple reports have reiterated the dangers, highlighting that recent cases have led to health warnings and product recalls, particularly when contamination with the bird flu virus has been detected. The nuances of this debate are further complicated by the endorsements of prominent figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump, who have contributed to the legitimization of raw milk consumption among their followers.

The medical consensus remains clear: drinking raw milk carries considerable risks. Health professionals consistently stress the importance of pasteurisation as a critical step in ensuring dairy safety. As the trend continues to flourish, particularly on platforms like TikTok, the need for effective communication about these dangers becomes ever more urgent. It is crucial for consumers to be educated about the potential health implications associated with raw milk, as the charm of this trend may mask its significant health risks.

The enthusiasm surrounding raw milk consumption reflects broader trends in food choices, where the quest for "natural" options often overlooks safety concerns. As discussions about the validity of raw milk claims continue, the focus must remain on protecting public health through informed choices based on scientific evidence, rather than appealing narratives that inadequately address the underlying risks.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/womens-health-under-attack-protection-is-a-smart-investment/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/womens-health-under-attack-protection-is-a-smart-investment/ - This article discusses the rising trend of raw milk consumption, particularly among TikTok users, and the associated health risks. It highlights that raw milk can harbor harmful pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and H5N1 (bird flu), posing significant health risks, especially to children. The piece emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in eliminating these pathogens and advises against consuming raw milk due to the potential for serious illnesses.
https://time.com/7203376/is-raw-milk-safe-bird-flu-salmonella/ - This article examines the safety of raw milk consumption, noting that it can contain harmful pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, and H5N1 (bird flu). It discusses the health risks associated with these pathogens, particularly for children, and emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in eliminating these risks. The piece also addresses claims by raw milk advocates about health benefits, stating that these are disputed by scientific evidence.
https://www.axios.com/2024/11/20/what-is-raw-milk-rfk-jr-trump-health-risks - This article explores the growing popularity of raw milk, noting its endorsement by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Trump. It discusses the health risks associated with raw milk, including potential contamination with pathogens like E. coli and listeria, and highlights the challenges public health agencies face in communicating these risks effectively.
https://apnews.com/article/7950cb5eb3b642f0cc74c2d29254bedb - This article reports on the detection of the bird flu virus in raw milk, leading to health warnings and product recalls. It discusses the potential health risks of consuming raw milk contaminated with the bird flu virus and emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in preventing such risks.
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/jan/17/is-raw-milk-trend-good-bad-for-you-tiktok - This article examines the trend of raw milk consumption on TikTok, discussing the health risks associated with drinking unpasteurized milk, including potential exposure to harmful bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. It emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in ensuring milk safety and advises against consuming raw milk.
https://dairynews.today/news/tiktok_boom_the_rise_of_unpasteurised_milk_consumption_and_its_risks_6825701.html - This article discusses the rise of raw milk consumption on social media platforms like TikTok, highlighting the health risks associated with unpasteurized milk, including potential contamination with harmful bacteria such as Brucella, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. It emphasizes the importance of pasteurization in mitigating these risks and advises against consuming raw milk.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative discusses current trends and concerns, such as the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, which suggests recent relevance.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: There are no direct quotes in the text, but references to prominent figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump are noted.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from The Telegraph, a well-established and reputable publication.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about raw milk risks are supported by health authorities and scientific consensus, making them plausible.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is recent and engages with current trends, lacks direct quotes, originates from a reliable source, and presents plausible claims backed by scientific consensus.

Raw milk
Public health
TikTok
Food safety
Unpasteurised milk